New steel import tariff – Derbyshire stands in support of local businesses

Businesses across Derbyshire using steel in their operations are being urged to prepare for new import measures.

Derbyshire County Council is backing organisations including The British Chambers of Commerce and Make UK as they lobby Government over concerns about new measures to reduce duty-free import volumes of steel and impose tariffs on imports above the quota.

The measures, which come into force on 1st July, are set to reduce duty-free import volumes by approximately 60% and subject imports above the new quota limits to a 50% tariff.

Local businesses were given an opportunity to find out what the new quota limits mean for them in a free webinar which was hosted recently by The British Chambers of Commerce.

The session was designed to help local businesses to understand the changes, the impact on their operations and the practical steps they should take to prepare and remain compliant.

Councillor John Lawson, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency said: “These changes could have significant cost, supply chain and customs compliance implications for local businesses importing steel or using steel products within their operations.

“As the cost of doing business continues to climb, the new measures could have a devastating impact on the manufacturing and engineering sector and we stand in support of local businesses and organisations lobbying Government to rethink the tariff and give businesses more time to prepare.”