Steel News 2025

19 May 2025: As part of the UK-EU reset, the EU and UK governments have today announced the decision to work towards formally linking their Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS), and improved EU steel quotas - a move that will enable better access to the UK’s biggest export market.

13 May 2025: The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today published its preliminary determination following its review of the UK’s steel safeguard mechanisms. UK Steel first raised concerns about the existing safeguard mechanism after President Trump ramped up US steel import tariffs, potentially swamping the UK if steel bounces back from the US border.

8 May 2025: President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer announced an economic deal removing the 25% tariffs on UK steel exports to the US that were imposed in March. We commend the UK Government for persevering in its efforts to negotiate this deal and lifting a burden off the UK steel industry by allowing UK exports to the US to resume

23 April 2025: UK Steel welcomes the changes to the Trade Remedies Authority, which will lead to a more proactive approach in trade flow monitoring and speed up the pace at which investigations are completed.

14 April 2025: UK Steel warmly welcomes the appointment of new management at British Steel, which means a new chapter can open in the company’s operations. UK Steel applauds the decisive action the Government has taken in the past few days to safeguard this vital piece of our national infrastructure.

14 April 2025: UK Steel comments on the race to keep the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe alight, welcoming parliamentary act and emphasising the urgency of securing raw materials.

12th April 2025: UK Steel comments on the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, which will allow the British Steel site at Scunthorpe to maintain operations while Government negotiations with the company continue.

11 April 2025: The Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, has recalled Parliament to convene on Saturday regarding the security of UK steelmaking, in the wake of British Steel’s decision to consult on the closure of iron and steelmaking, and the potential closure of its rod mill, in Scunthorpe.

2 April 2025: Following the White House briefing note, UK Steel can confirm that the import tariff on steel into the US will remain at 25% - introduced on March 12 - and that new tariffs will not stack. UK Steel remains deeply concerned regarding the 25% tariffs introduced on 12 March and the impact it is having on our industry.

24 March 2025: British Steel has announced that it will consult on a proposed closure of the Scunthorpe blast furnaces, rod mill and steelmaking operation following the owners’ rejection of a £500 million Government funding bid. This marks the end of steelmaking in Scunthorpe after 160 years of production.

19 March 2025: The European Commission has unveiled its bold Action Plan for Steel and Metals, which will deliver comprehensive measures to protect and strengthen the European steel industry. With global overcapacity, coupled with rising energy costs, and new US tariffs and forthcoming trade diversion intensifying pressure, the EU’s rapid response highlights the urgency of the moment.

15 March 2025: Unlike many steel-producing countries - such as France, Italy, Spain and the UAE - the UK does not have a mechanism to protect energy-intensive industries (EIIs) from high wholesale prices. The report recommends introducing a two-way Contract for Difference (CfD) mechanism.