UK to reduce steel import quotas by 60% to protect domestic steel industry
Under the new regulation announced on March 19, 2026, the UK government will introduce new trade measures for steel imports starting on July 1, 2026.
According to the new measures, the total quotas for duty-free steel imports will be reduced by 60% compared to the current steel protection regime. Imports exceeding the established quotas will be subject to a 50% tax. The regulation applies to steel products that can be produced within the UK, highlighting the importance of local production for critical infrastructure and supply chains for defence. In its statement, the government cited OECD data indicating that global steel overcapacity is expected to reach 721 million metric tons by 2027, which continues to put pressure on prices and production levels. The government also noted that crude steel production in the UK has declined by more than 50% over the past decade, saying the new measures are aimed at strengthening domestic production and increasing the long-term sustainability of the sector. According to the new system, import quotas will be introduced quarterly. Unused quotas can be carried over to the next quarter, but cannot be carried over to the new quota year. The system will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The Regulation introduces a new quota and tariff structure covering 20 product categories and a wide range of HS codes. The affected products include sheets, strips, pipes, profiles, wire and rebar, as well as other steel products. The Government also confirmed that it is working on transitional measures for products imported between July 1 and September 30, 2026, under contracts signed before March 14, 2026. Steel products manufactured in Ukraine are still not subject to measures due to the ongoing war.Author: Editorial staff of SteelRadar
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