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Iron and Steel: Safeguard Measures

Asked by Dame Harriett BaldwinConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 29 June 2026UIN 12661

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what representations he has made at the World Trade Organization to allow the current steel safeguard measures to continue after June 30th 2026 with minimal changes.

Answered by Chris McDonald

In accordance with World Trade Organization rules, the UK’s steel safeguard expires on 30 June. We cannot extend the existing safeguard and cannot risk any gap in protection, particularly at a time of rising global overcapacity, which would leave the UK steel sector exposed. From 1 July 2026, we are introducing a new trade measure that will limit tariff-free steel imports and reduce overall quota volumes by 51% compared to the Steel Safeguard. Any imports above these levels will face a 50% tariff. The overall quota volume will be 3.2mt.

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