EU threats to bring in 50 per cent tariffs on steel will leave the UK industry facing its “biggest crisis”.
It would double the current levy on exports to the continent and could prove fatal for firms as 78 per cent of our steel is sold to the bloc.
Gareth Stace, the director of UK Steel, warned of job cuts if an EU deal can’t be carved out.
He said: “This is perhaps the biggest crisis the UK steel industry has ever faced.”
Europe’s move to match Donald Trump’s US tariff rate could see countries like China flooding Britain with cheap steel to avoid Brussels levies.
Mr Stace added: “The Government must recognise the urgent need to put in place its own measures to defend against a flood of imports.
“The probability of the EU’s measures redirecting millions of tons of steel towards the UK could be terminal for many of our remaining steel companies.”
PM Sir Keir Starmer — on a trade mission to India — said talks with Brussels are taking place, and that his government’s record was one of “strong support” for the sector.
Trade minister Chris McDonald will meet steel bosses tomorrow and has asked the EU for “urgent clarification” on the details.
Alasdair McDiarmid of the steelworkers’ union Community said the new measures represent an “existential threat” to the sector.
He continued: “Europe is by far the largest destination for UK steel exports, and losing access to this market would have a catastrophic impact on British jobs.
“Steel is the lifeblood of communities across the UK: it provides well-paid employment and supports regional economies.
“Losing these vital jobs would wreak devastation on some of the areas which can least afford it, and which have already borne the scars of damaging deindustrialisation.”
Five thousand jobs were also secured at Port Talbot when Ministers gave a £500 million grant to Tata Steel towards the cost of building a greener electric furnace[/caption]
