On Tuesday, Brussels announced plans to impose swingeing taxes on all imports coming into the bloc, amid fears that a flood of cheap steel from China and other Asian countries are crushing the Continent’s domestic industries.
British steel producers will also be hit by the crackdown, dealing a blow that risks being fatal for many companies. Almost 80% of Britain’s steel exports currently go to the EU.
UK Steel, which represents producers, warned the new tariffs could unleash “the biggest crisis the industry has ever faced”, with steelmakers facing a potentially “devastating hit”.
Sir Keir Starmer pledged his “strong support” for the industry and said the UK was “in discussions” with the EU about the tariffs.
Government officials are now scrambling to negotiate carve-outs for Britain. It is understood that EU officials will use the talks to pressure Britain for further concessions in the wider post-Brexit settlement, even though ministers have already given significant ground on fishing rights and youth mobility.
The Government said it was seeking “urgent clarification” on Tuesday following the announcement.
The dispute will be seen as an embarrassment for Sir Keir, who has made forging closer ties with Brussels a main pillar of his plans to boost economic growth....<<<Read More>>>...
