Category 4 Steel Imports: Tariff-free Quotas

Baroness Lawlor Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My noble friend is absolutely right. We currently review tariffs, and, as it stands, we are committed to reviewing them again at the end of the 12-month period. I state again that the quotas in place were informed by evidence and analysis of market conditions. Where steels products are not produced in sufficient quantities in the United Kingdom, mechanisms remain available to ensure that businesses can continue to access essential imports, while maintaining appropriate safeguards for the domestic industry.

[Baroness Lawlor (Con)]

I thank the Minister very much for answering questions on the Statement so fully. My understanding is that, under this round, imports of galvanised steel to the UK will triple. Some of the concerns have been about the impact on production here. As my noble friend Lord Lamont said, we need to fill the gaps in our industry. Does the Minister have any idea what impact this will have on our own steel industry and our capacity to grow it?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, as it stands, the Government fully recognise the importance of ensuring that businesses can obtain the materials they require. That is the principal objective for this category of steel. For noble Lords who do not know what category 4 galvanised steel is, it is the steel that is mainly used for generic purposes such as steel automotives. The revised quota system seeks to balance the needs of downstream users with the need to protect the UK steel industry from unfair trading practices. We have to bear in mind that there is an oversupply of steel in the market, but we have to protect it in order to protect our local manufacturers and downstream users.