UK steel fabricators are calling on the government to add fabricated steel to the UK’s steel tariffs framework straight away. The call came at a British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) summit at the House of Commons, reported by Steel Times International on 26 October 2026. Here’s what was said and what it means if you buy or make steel parts in the UK.

What’s behind the call for fabricated steel tariffs?

Simon Boyd OBE, managing director of the structural steel firm REIDsteel, told the summit that a levy on imported fabricated steel should be included in the steel tariffs framework immediately, to protect the industry and the jobs that depend on it. The event was attended by steel sector figures and businesses, including British Steel, UK Steel and tier one contractors, along with MPs and the Minister for Reindustrialisation.

According to the report, the issue is this:

• Fabricated steel comes in tariff-free. Overseas steel that has already been cut, welded or assembled for steel structures can currently enter the UK without a tariff.
• UK firms can be undercut. Overseas competitors with lower costs and government subsidies can price below UK fabricators.
• Work can move offshore. There’s a risk of fabrication work being sent overseas and then shipped back to UK customers.

“We cannot have successful steelmaking in the UK without having a strong and healthy steel manufacturing and fabrication sector: each needs the other to survive,” Boyd said. He also spoke about energy costs, regulation, taxes and access to affordable finance.

What it means for UK manufacturers and steel part buyers

No change to the tariffs framework has been announced, so nothing changes overnight. But the debate is a good prompt to look at where your cut, folded and fabricated parts come from:

• Price isn’t the whole cost. A cheaper imported part can cost more once you add shipping time, minimum order quantities and the hassle of putting problems right from a distance.
• Short supply chains are easier to manage. With a UK subcontractor you can talk to the people cutting your parts, change a drawing quickly and get parts when you need them.
• Keep a UK option on file. If import rules or prices shift, having a UK supplier who already knows your parts takes the risk out of the change.

UK-made in Shaw, Oldham

At Kaizen Engineering we laser cut, fold and fabricate made-to-order steel parts at our works in Shaw, Oldham, from one-offs and short batches to regular repeat work. We offer same-day quotes and same-day laser cutting. Find out more about our steel fabrication, laser cutting and press braking services.

Send us your drawing

Email your drawing to sales@kaizen-eng.com with the material, thickness and quantity, and we’ll come back with a quote the same day.

Kaizen Engineering, Thomas Street, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8PG
Made Up North. Built to Last.

Sources

• Steel Times International, “British government urged to act now on fabricated steel tariffs”, 26 October 2026: steeltimesint.com