Commons Sense

House of Commons · Urgent Question

US Steel Import Tariffs 2025-02-11

11 February 2025 · 13 other contributors

Opened by Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

Business & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Harriett Baldwin raised concerns about us steel import tariffs 2025-02-11 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Conversations have been held with US counterparts about steel tariffs.
  • The Minister is meeting with steel industry and trade union representatives.
  • The Secretary of State for Business and Trade will also meet the representatives.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

Will the Minister confirm what conversations have been had with US counterparts about steel tariffs, and how many times has he spoken to US trade representatives since Sunday? Will he confirm that the first 500,000 tonnes of steel will be tariff-free as they were under President Trump’s previous Administration? What economic analysis has the Department produced on the impact of these tariffs on jobs and the wider UK economy, and what plans do the Government have to reciprocate with tariffs or safeguarding measures?

Other contributors (13)
  • Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

    Question

    What flexibility will the Minister allow on increasing funding through the steel strategy if it is essential to maintain a sovereign capability in this country?

    Minister reply

    There has already been outreach to the UK Steel trade body, and issues related to potential tariffs are incorporated into the dialogue. The Minister of State for Industry is meeting representatives today, and there will be further that dialogue in the next 24 hours.

  • Clive Jones LD Wokingham

    Question

    How might US tariffs affect the UK economy and what preparations are being made as a result?

    Minister reply

    Approximately £400 million-worth of UK steel exports go to the United States, representing about 10% of UK production. We are engaging in dialogue with workforce representatives and company owners here in the United Kingdom.

  • Patrick Hurley Lab Southport

    Question

    In formulating a response to the proposed tariffs, will we work closely with trade union representatives to ensure that workers' concerns are not forgotten?

    Minister reply

    Trade unions have been central to the dialogue started in July. We are backing up our commitment to dialogue with an act of public funds and engaging directly with the workforce as well as companies themselves.

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    Question

    Can the Minister give an assurance that he will report back to the House as soon as possible about meetings taking place over the next day or two?

    Minister reply

    There are plenty of opportunities for Ministers to be held accountable in relation to the dialogue we have started with steel producers. The announcement should not come as a surprise given President Trump’s comments, but it is reasonable to be mindful and review analysis.

  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    Question

    Given that Scotland's strategic interests are at stake, can the Minister give assurance about how he will stand up to global protectionism and consider rejoining the EU?

    Minister reply

    While I acknowledge the strategic importance of Scottish business, including whisky and fish industries, we must focus on our current position as an independent nation. The UK's departure from the EU is a fact, but we are taking comprehensive measures to support the steel industry.

  • Chris McDonald Lab Stockton North

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that the UK market presents a great commercial opportunity for investment in steel and that through this Government's strategy, we have an opportunity to attract such investment?

    Minister reply

    Yes, I agree with my hon. Friend. We are committed to publishing a comprehensive steel strategy in the spring of this year and are backed by significant public resources.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    If President Trump offered to cancel the tariff on steel imports in return for the UK throwing the Chagos Islands deal in the dustbin, would the Government agree?

    Minister reply

    While it is tempting to consider such hypothetical scenarios, the responsible approach is to leave negotiations to the appropriate government officials and maintain a considered view of emerging developments.

  • Jonathan Brash Lab Hartlepool

    Question

    Given the global move towards protectionism and our reliance on imported steel, does the Minister agree that we need to act at pace to replace safeguards when they come to an end?

    Minister reply

    The government is determined to back the UK steel sector. We have established a steel council, committed significant public resources, and will publish a comprehensive strategy in spring 2021.

  • James Wild Con North West Norfolk

    Question

    Given that President Trump loves tariffs, can the Minister clarify whether discussions about tariff-free quotas for British steel have taken place since the inauguration?

    Minister reply

    The Prime Minister has had exchanges with the US president-elect. Discussions are ongoing through our new ambassador and relevant trade officials.

  • Stella Creasy Lab/Co-op Walthamstow

    Question

    Can the Minister update us on conversations with European counterparts regarding the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism, which is critical for British steel?

    Minister reply

    We are actively working to reset our relationship with Europe and address issues like CBAM through confidence-building measures. The resolution of the emissions trading scheme remains a priority.

  • Richard Tice Reform Boston and Skegness

    Question

    Since electricity costs are making UK steel uncompetitive, will the new steel strategy address this issue to ensure competitiveness?

    Minister reply

    While we acknowledge concerns about electricity prices, other factors such as outdated blast furnaces and years of neglect also need addressing in our comprehensive steel strategy.

  • Andrew Pakes Lab Peterborough

    Question

    Does the Minister recognise that this is an issue not just for exports but also concerning dumping, which affects national pride and community jobs?

    Minister reply

    We acknowledge the importance of steel to communities across the UK. Residual power remains available under the Trade Remedies Authority for companies to take action on dumping, and our steel safeguards will remain in place until June 2026.

Government Response

Douglas Alexander

We have seen the proclamation issued by President Trump overnight, which enforces a full return to 25% tariffs on US steel imports on 12 March 2025. The Minister of State for Industry is meeting representatives of the steel industry and trade unions this afternoon, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade will meet them in the next 24 hours. Since July, we have engaged systematically with the UK steel sector and will continue to do so. We have a strong trade relationship with the US worth around £300 billion and supporting millions of jobs. The Department stands ready to work with President Trump to find solutions that benefit both countries.

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