Written question asked by Harriett Baldwin (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Monday, 29 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Iron and Steel: Safeguard Measures

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.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information