UK steel quotas are running out fast, and MPs on the Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee say the new steel safeguards are now hurting the UK manufacturers that use steel. In a letter to the Business Secretary published on 28 October 2026, the Committee asked for urgent action to protect downstream manufacturing. Earlier this week we covered the call for tariffs on imported fabricated steel. This story is the other side of the same coin: what the quotas mean for firms that buy steel to make things.

What are the UK steel quotas?

According to GOV.UK, a new steel trade measure replaced the old steel safeguard on 1 July 2026. It cuts tariff-free steel import quotas by 51% compared with the old safeguard, and imports above those quotas face a 50% tariff. It applies to steel products that can also be made in the UK.

What the Committee says is happening

• Quotas are being used up quickly. Of 72 country-specific quotas, 11 were exhausted in Q3 and a further 10 in the first three weeks of Q4. Since 1 October, quotas have run out in categories 1, 5, 12B, 14, 15 and 17.
• Specialist steels are caught up. Businesses told the Committee the measure doesn’t separate steel UK mills can supply from specialist products that, for now, can only be imported.
• Costs are coming in 2027. Firms gave estimates of extra duties from next year ranging from £0.6 million to £10 million, and said switching suppliers adds cost and delays, especially where extra approvals are needed.
• Finished steel goods aren’t covered. Downstream firms said they’re being undercut by imported finished or semi-finished steel products, which aren’t subject to the measure. The Committee puts the downstream workforce at over 300,000.

The Committee has asked the Government to start consulting now so the safeguards can be reviewed after six months rather than 12, to hold a ministerial roundtable within a month, and to look at exempting products with no viable UK substitute.

What it means for buyers of steel parts

• Plan 2027 budgets early. If your parts rely on imported grades, ask your supplier now whether quotas or the 50% duty could affect price or lead time.
• Check your grades. Some specialist grades are harder to source than common structural and wear plate, so it’s worth confirming availability before you commit to a design.
• Keep options open. Having a UK maker that can laser cut, fold and fabricate your parts gives you a second source if imported finished parts get harder to plan around.

UK-made in Shaw, Oldham

At Kaizen Engineering we laser cut, fold and fabricate made-to-order steel parts, including Hardox wear parts, at our works in Shaw, Oldham, from one-offs to regular repeat batches. We offer same-day quotes and same-day laser cutting. See our laser cutting, press braking and steel fabrication services.

Send us your drawing

Email your drawing to sales@kaizen-eng.com with the material, thickness and quantity, or use our request a quote page, 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

• Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee, “Letter to the Secretary of State relating to urgent action on Steel Safeguards to protect downstream manufacturing”, UK Parliament, 28 October 2026: committees.parliament.uk
• Department for Business and Trade, “UK’s steel trade measure from 1 July 2026”, GOV.UK: gov.uk