STEEL OURSELVES

DONALD Trump's global 25% tariffs on steel imports could spell disaster for a UK industry already battered by job cuts and plunging productivity, experts warn.

- BY GRAHAM HISCOTT and DAVE BURKE

Keir Starmer was urged to get tough with the US President by following other countries who have hit back by imposing taxes of their own on incoming American goods.

US importers will pay the extra 25% cost, but that could be passed on to customers or put firms off buying from abroad. America is our second most important market for steel after the EU, with 9% of exports worth £370million.

But production is at the lowest level since the 30s and Tata Steel announced last year it was cutting 2800 jobs, mostly at Port Talbot in south Wales.

Trade body UK Steel's director general Gareth Stace said: "Given our low production and rising imports, it means the threat of further job losses." GMB union national officer Charlotte Brumpton-Childs added: "These tariffs are potentially disastrous for all sides." And Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our government must act decisively to protect the steel industry and its workers following this announcement."

Commons business and trade committee Labour chair Liam Byrne added: "Steel tariffs are deeply concerning for UK industry, threatening jobs and competitiveness at a time when our steel industry is already under intense pressure."