New steel import tariffs: what Northern Ireland businesses need to know
Find out more about new steel import controls from 1 July 2026.
Find out more about new steel import controls from 1 July 2026.
The UK and European Union (EU) are introducing new steel import controls from 1 July 2026.
These changes will reduce the amount of steel that can be imported without paying duty and introduce 50% tariffs on imports above quota limits.
If your business imports or uses steel, these changes could affect your costs, suppliers and supply chains.
What is changing
In the UK, from 1 July 2026, the UK Government will:
- reduce tariff-free steel import quotas
- apply a 50% tariff to imports above those quotas
These measures apply to 20 steel product categories.
At the same time, the EU is introducing revised safeguard measures, including:
- reduced tariff-free quota volumes
- 50% tariffs on imports above quota limits
- new traceability requirements, such as identifying where the steel was originally produced (“melt and pour”)
What this means for Northern Ireland businesses
Northern Ireland businesses may be affected by both UK and EU rules.
Under the Windsor Framework, goods entering Northern Ireland from outside the EU Single Market, including from Great Britain and the rest of the world, may be treated as ‘at risk’ of moving into the EU. Where goods are classed as ‘at risk’, EU tariffs and rules may apply.
This means businesses importing steel:
- may need to consider both the UK and EU quota systems
- could face tariffs depending on how goods move into Northern Ireland
- may experience more complex customs and sourcing decisions
How this could affect your business
If your business imports steel or uses steel in manufacturing, you may see:
- higher import costs if tariffs apply
- reduced availability of tariff-free quota
- changes to supplier options
- pressure on pricing and profit margins
- disruption to supply chains
These impacts may be greater if you source steel from outside the EU or rely on imports via Great Britain.
What you should do now
If your business is affected, you should:
- Check your products: confirm whether the steel products you import fall within the UK or EU safeguard categories.
- Review your supply chain: identify where your steel is sourced from and whether alternative suppliers are available.
- Assess your tariff exposure: understand how quotas and tariffs could affect your costs.
- Speak to your customs adviser: a customs agent or adviser can help you understand how these changes apply to your imports.
- Check documentation requirements: ensure you have the necessary supplier information, including evidence of where the steel was produced.
Duty support schemes
Some Northern Ireland businesses may be able to reduce the impact of EU tariffs through the:
These schemes can help offset EU tariff costs in certain circumstances, but:
- they are subject to eligibility criteria and limits
- they apply to EU duty on ‘at risk’ goods, not UK tariff exposure
- they may require detailed evidence
You should review your eligibility carefully or seek professional advice.
Get further guidance
For full details of the measures and affected products, see:
Stay up to date
These measures are part of a wider shift in global steel trade policy and may continue to evolve.
Businesses should monitor updates and review their supply chain and pricing strategies regularly to manage potential impacts.