US Steel Tariffs on UK Steel

Responding to the news that the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on imports of steel and aluminium will take effect, Community’s Assistant General Secretary, Alasdair McDiarmid said:

“These US tariffs on UK steel exports are hugely damaging and they threaten jobs. For the US it’s also self-defeating, as the UK is a leading supplier of specialist steel products required by their defence and aerospace sectors.

“The UK’s response must include delivering a robust Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the strongest possible trade defence measures to shield our sector from diverted imports. At a minimum we must at least match any measures taken by the EU.

“We’re incredibly disappointed that the US has decided to take this course of action and we will continue to work with steel companies and the UK Government to deliver the best possible outcome for our members and our industry.

“Community has already met with the Business Secretary who gave us assurances that the Government will continue to do everything possible to secure an exemption from these destructive US steel tariffs.”