From 1 July, steel import quotas are due to be reduced by 60% and imports above those quotas will face a 50% tariff. While the changes are intended to support domestic steel production, they are expected to add further uncertainty to an already fragile construction supply chain.

Few in the construction industry dispute the importance of strengthening UK steel production. However, the timing of the new rules has raised concern among contractors and subcontractors about the potential impact on costs, procurement and supply resilience.