EU-UK hold steel talks as Trump and China pile on the pressure

THE European Union’s ambassador to the UK has defended planned hikes in steel tariffs as officials in Whitehall attempted to limit the potentially catastrophic impact on British workers.

- DAVID HUGHES and SION BARRY

The European Commission has disclosed plans to impose 50% tariffs on steel, double the current level of 25%, while cutting tariff-free import volumes to 18.3 million tons a year - a 47% reduction.

‘The EU's ambassador Pedro Serrano said official-level contacts had already been made between Whitehall and Brussels about the proposals but he stressed the need for Brussels to defend the bloc’s steel industry.

It comes as Tata Steel, due to weak orders, has confirmed it will halt steel production at its Port Talbot, Trostre and Llanwern operations for five weeks, which will cover December and run into January. The stoppages are far longer than the usual two-week wind down around the festive the period.

Talks between the UK and the EU are expected to cover issues including how much steel the UK will be allowed to export tariff-free into the bloc.

‘The measures are aimed at protecting the EU’s steelworkers from competition from cut-price products - especially from China - being dumped in European markets after Donald Trump's tariffs made the US a less attractive destination.

‘The proposed new EU regime, which has not yet been adopted, is intended to replace existing safeguards which expire in June next year.