Steel News 2025

14th April 2025: UK Steel warmly welcomes the appointment of new management at British Steel, which means a new chapter can open in the company’s operations. UK Steel applauds the decisive action the Government has taken in the past few days to safeguard this vital piece of our national infrastructure.

14th April 2025: UK Steel comments on the race to keep the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe alight, welcoming parliamentary act and emphasising the urgency of securing raw materials.

12th April 2025: UK Steel comments on the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, which will allow the British Steel site at Scunthorpe to maintain operations while Government negotiations with the company continue.

11 April 2025: The Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, has recalled Parliament to convene on Saturday regarding the security of UK steelmaking, in the wake of British Steel’s decision to consult on the closure of iron and steelmaking, and the potential closure of its rod mill, in Scunthorpe.

2 April 2025: Following the White House briefing note, UK Steel can confirm that the import tariff on steel into the US will remain at 25% - introduced on March 12 - and that new tariffs will not stack. UK Steel remains deeply concerned regarding the 25% tariffs introduced on 12 March and the impact it is having on our industry.

24 March 2025: British Steel has announced that it will consult on a proposed closure of the Scunthorpe blast furnaces, rod mill and steelmaking operation following the owners’ rejection of a £500 million Government funding bid. This marks the end of steelmaking in Scunthorpe after 160 years of production.

19 March 2025: The European Commission has unveiled its bold Action Plan for Steel and Metals, which will deliver comprehensive measures to protect and strengthen the European steel industry. With global overcapacity, coupled with rising energy costs, and new US tariffs and forthcoming trade diversion intensifying pressure, the EU’s rapid response highlights the urgency of the moment.

15 March 2025: Unlike many steel-producing countries - such as France, Italy, Spain and the UAE - the UK does not have a mechanism to protect energy-intensive industries (EIIs) from high wholesale prices. The report recommends introducing a two-way Contract for Difference (CfD) mechanism.

12 March 2025: President Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and steel derivative products have today come into effect, with no exemptions granted to the UK or any other trading partners. These will have hugely damaging consequences for UK suppliers and their customers in the US.

10 March 2025: With a decisive business plan yet to be set out in the Steel Strategy and the National Wealth Fund, UK mills could bridge the gap between supply and demand. The statistics released today show steelmakers could meet up to 86% of offshore wind plate requirements with investment. Offshore wind experts, LumenEE, point out that uplifting UK steel capacity and capability will mutually benefit national defence needs.

7 March 2025: At the Make UK Conference 2025, industry leaders, policymakers, and business representatives gathered to address the urgent challenges facing the UK steel sector. The discussion underscored the critical need for government action, investment, and a robust strategy to secure the future of UK steel.

23 February 2025: UK energy-intensive industries, including steel, glass, and ceramics, have urged the government to ensure a secure, competitive, and low-carbon electricity system. They warn that DESNZ's consideration of zonal pricing under REMA threatens industrial investment and decarbonization. For steelmakers, zonal pricing could raise electricity costs in key regions like Yorkshire and South Wales, worsening competitiveness against international rivals. Instead, they call for a Reformed National Market to support industry and energy security.