Russell Codling, Director of Markets Business Development at Tata Steel UK, informed lawmakers that the British steel industry faces collapse within two months without urgent government intervention. Current trade safeguards expire in June, leaving the domestic market vulnerable to record levels of cheap excess steel from China and other countries.

To prevent the UK from becoming a global dumping ground, Codling advised ministers to align with stricter EU and US policies. He recommended halving existing import quotas and raising tariff rates to match the 50% levels seen abroad.

While UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle plans to discuss cooperation with Brussels, the government’s official Steel Strategy is delayed. Codling insisted that clear announcements must arrive before July 1 to ensure the survival of local supply chains.