VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Iron and Steel: Import Duties

Asked by Sarah CoombesLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 2 June 2026UIN 3991

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with businesses in the downstream metals sector about the upcoming changes to the steel safeguard regime.

Answered by Chris McDonald

This Government recognises the distinct value of downstream users and has held multiple Ministerial discussions with businesses in the downstream metals sector, hosting roundtables on 19 January and 19 March. Officials have engaged extensively and will continue to do so.

The measure has been designed to strike a careful balance between supporting domestic steelmaking and maintaining secure, reliable supply for downstream users, so the UK can meet its national security and industrial needs. We will review the measure after 12 months.

To support supply chain adaptations, we are introducing a transitional arrangement under which the new measure would not apply to goods agreed under contract before 14 March 2026 and imported between 1 July and 30 September 2026. Further detail will be published in due course.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim