From 1 July 2026, the UK will introduce new steel trade measures that reinforce domestic production and bring the country broadly in line with the approach already taken in the EU and the United States.
These changes are expected to accelerate a shift toward UK‑based stainless steel supply.
Commenting on the changes, Liam Bates, President of Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield, says: “Given the UK Government’s decision to introduce trade measures we believe most of the requirements in the UK bar market can be met with domestic supply. Our own research by using the SMR Group – Steel & Metals Market Intelligence data shows that most of the market needs can be fulfilled. Marcegaglia alone can supply 90% of the stainless steel bar products included in the safeguard measures, covering dimensions from 5 mm up to 190 mm in all the commonly required grades for the UK market.”
On the concerns about the small minority that currently cannot be sourced, Bates continued: “There are two actions; clearly with an import allowance of ca 40% there are sufficient quotas so importers have a wide latitude to prioritize a mixture that includes fully what cannot be produced in the UK and reduce imports of steel that is readily available in the UK. However, we are already having constructive discussions with the supply chain to ensure that we broaden our range. I encourage in both cases, that customers and distributors contact us to see what we can supply already and indicate products that they would like us to produce or help them source.”
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