The US President Donald Trump has placed a 25% tax on US imports affecting UK steel and aluminium putting jobs at risk.
Ministers have said they are taking a pragmatic approach to the tariffs as their attempts to prevent the levies on the UK failed.
The Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the tariffs are “disappointing” and the UK will not retaliate unlike other countries such as Canada and the EU.
Around 5% of Uk steel and 6% pf aluminium exports go to the US, according to the government, but trade bodies are saying this underestimates the true scale of shipments across the pond.
UK Steel trade body said the UK exported 180,000 tonnes of semi-finished and finished steel to the US which was valued at £370 million in the 2024.
Reynolds said, “It’s disappointing the US has today imposed global tariffs on steel and aluminium.
“We are focused on a pragmatic approach and are rapidly negotiating a wider economic agreement with the US to eliminate additional tariffs and to benefit UK businesses and our economy.”
Gareth Stace, director-general of UK Steel, said, “President Trump must surely recognise that the UK is an ally, not a foe. Our steel sector is not a threat to the US but a partner to key customers, sharing the same values and objectives in addressing global overcapacity and tackling unfair trade.
“These tariffs couldn’t come at a worse time for the UK steel industry, as we battle with high energy costs and subdued demand at home, against an oversupplied and increasingly protectionist global landscape.
“What’s more, the EU is also pushing ahead with trade restrictive action that will amplify the impact of US tariffs.”
Nadine Bloxsome, chief executive of trade body the Aluminium Federation, said, “The enforcement of US tariffs today is a critical moment for the UK aluminium industry.
“While the direct impacts are already being felt through reduced US orders and scrap export pressures, the additional risk of trade diversion due to EU countermeasures creates an even more serious challenge.
“We are concerned that without proactive safeguarding, the UK could face an influx of low-cost imports, threatening the competitiveness and stability of our domestic market.”
Community union assistant general secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said: “These US tariffs on UK steel exports are hugely damaging and they threaten jobs.
“For the US it’s also self-defeating, as the UK is a leading supplier of specialist steel products required by their defence and aerospace sectors.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our Government must act decisively to protect the steel industry and its workers following the announcement of US tariffs.
“This is a matter of national security. Steel should be immediately designated as critical national infrastructure to properly protect it.”
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