The British Government’s Steel Trade Measure, finalised on 25 June, imposes reduced tariff-free quotas and a 50% duty on out-of-quota imports across 20 product categories. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald warned the policy does not serve the interests of Northern Ireland businesses.

The measure, first proposed in March, covers steel not produced in Britain, including specialist grades used by local manufacturers. Minister Archibald said she and her officials have been in regular contact with industry representatives, who raised concerns about availability, price and competitiveness.

The Minister has relayed those concerns to her British and Irish Government counterparts, noting that EU steel trade measures are set to come into effect on 1 July. She stated that the British Government’s policy prioritises producers in Britain over the needs of downstream users in Northern Ireland.

Archibald described the measure as another serious setback for industries already facing rising costs, pointing to recent increases in National Insurance Contributions as an additional burden. She pledged to continue pressing the British Government to reconsider.