WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has warned that import tariffs due to come into force this week risk forcing businesses to close or move abroad.
Despite a partial u-turn conceded by the Government last week, it is set to impose a 50 per cent tariff on imported steel which is used by local businesses to manufacture a wide range of products.
The steel used in many manufacturing processes cannot be bought in the UK and is made in many countries which have state-subsidised energy prices to support domestic steel production.
The MP, in her role as Shadow Business Minister, has been meeting with businesses which will be directly affected by the new tariffs and quotas to hear the negative impact they will have on manufacturers.
She plans to meet with Government Ministers again to share direct feedback on the plans from local businesses.
Dame Harriett said: “We have a vibrant manufacturing sector which has to rely on steel products that are not made in the UK and the Government is slapping ridiculous tariffs and quotas which risks wrecking local businesses.
“The steel industry is broken down into many different types of steel product and vital industries like defence and aerospace are only able to source some grades of steel from abroad.
“This is a short-sighted plan which shows the Government does not understand business and specifically does not understand the challenges of making steel-based products.
“I plan to meet with Government Ministers again this week to share their direct, concerning feedback, in the hope that we can secure further concessions as the tariffs and quotas come into effect on July 1st.”
