Tata Steel UK has raised concerns over the potential impact of a 50% US tariff on steel imports, which could be enforced under a new UK-US trade agreement. The company currently relies on imported steel substrates from India and the Netherlands, as its Port Talbot site transitions to electric arc furnace production, expected to be operational by late 2027.
The proposed “melted and poured” condition in the trade deal could disqualify Tata’s exports from tariff exemptions, threatening its competitiveness in the US market. Tata’s CEO emphasized the importance of securing a carve-out, noting that the company’s UK mills transform imported steel into high-value products not available from US producers.
The UK government is negotiating to reduce the tariff rate and ensure continued access for British steel under the Economic Prosperity Deal.
