Tata Steel has outlined that the UK steel industry could benefit from the tighter import restrictions currently being considered by the government.
The potential change was reported by The Guardian, with the tariff-free quotas for steel imports now under review.
Vlad Darahan, Tata Steel UK’s head of international trade and compliance, said: “Current UK quotas are too generous to overseas suppliers and in some cases higher than total UK demand. This risks turning the UK into an unfair dumping ground for cheap imports.
“We are urging the government to move quickly to introduce a clearer, stricter system that matches real UK needs while maintaining a constructive trading relationship with the EU.”
Tata highlighted potential benefits to tighter restrictions, including: a more level playing field for UK steelmakers, a reduction in market distortion, and closer alignment with trading partners.
Potential announcements could be as early as April, ahead of implementation from 1 July.
Darahan added: “We will keep closely monitoring developments and continue advocating for measures that enable a strong and sustainable future for Tata Steel UK and the wider British steel industry.”
