Peers pressed the Government to avoid tariffs on specialist steel that UK firms cannot source domestically, warning of higher costs and lost contracts; ministers said replacement safeguards must start by 1 July to prevent dumped steel, with limited temporary exemptions and consultation continuing.

The Government defended a 50% tariff on steel imports above new quotas from 1 July as protection for UK steelmaking, but MPs warned it could raise costs for aerospace, defence, car and construction firms that cannot buy the grades they need domestically. Ministers promised to examine problem categories and report final measures to Parliament, but did not agree to pause the policy or offer broad exemptions.