House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
UK Steel Strategy
19 March 2026 · Department for Business and Trade
Proposed by Peter Kyle Lab Hove
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK government is launching a 2.5 billion investment programme to support the domestic steel sector.
- Steel import quotas will be reduced by 60% from July 1, 2026, with tariffs applied to excess imports.
- Negotiations will commence to raise maximum MFN steel tariffs to safeguard the domestic industry.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the UK's new steel strategy aimed at reversing the decline in the domestic steel sector.
Action requested
The government is introducing a £2.5 billion investment programme, reducing steel import quotas by 60% from July 1, 2026 with tariffs on excess imports, and launching negotiations to increase maximum MFN steel tariffs to protect domestic industry. The strategy also includes reforms to energy policies and the creation of new innovation working groups.
Key facts
- Steel production in the UK has fallen by more than 50% over the last decade.
- Up to £2.5 billion of government investment is being committed to support the steel sector, with an additional £500m for Tata Steel.
- From July 1, 2026, overall quota levels for steel imports will be reduced by 60% compared to current safeguard measures.
- A new innovation working group chaired by an expert is being established to increase collaboration between the research community and industry in steel R&D.
- The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme could save eligible firms up to £40 per megawatt hour from April 2027.
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