The move comes following sustained pressure from Ms Lockhart, fellow MPs and businesses across the United Kingdom, who opposed plans to slash steel import quotas and increase tariffs. “This is an issue that has flown under the radar, but one with potentially serious consequences for manufacturing, construction and agri-businesses across Northern Ireland and GB,” said the MP.

She added: “While I support a strong and sustainable domestic steel market, the UK cannot produce all the specialist steel our economy requires.

“The original proposals were ill-thought-out and would have reduced tariff-free steel imports by sixty per cent across 20 product categories, with some key products such as hot rolled steel facing quota reductions of up to ninety per cent. Any imports exceeding those quotas would have been subject to a punitive fifty per cent tariff.”

The DUP Agriculture spokesperson explained: “The Labour Government was effectively penalising British businesses for importing products they have no choice but to buy from overseas. Yet another short-sighted hammer blow for the businesses who create jobs, drive growth and bolster the economy.

“The most frustrating aspect is that these were not foreign tariffs - they were tariffs being imposed by the UK Government on UK engineering, construction and agriculture – all vital sectors. It makes no sense to saddle businesses with higher costs at a time when they are already facing significant economic pressures.”

Ms Lockhart added: “Panic buying, supply shortages and extended lead times were beginning to emerge as businesses attempt to secure material before the new rules take effect.

“Since the initial plans were announced in March, I have been inundated with correspondence from businesses that will be impacted. There have been credible warnings that the incoming measures could drive fabrication work overseas and threatening thousands of jobs across the sector.”

“This week’s announcement is welcome recognition that the Government got the balance wrong,” she said.

“Increasing tariff-free quotas beyond what was originally proposed and exempting 11 categories of steel that are not produced in the UK is a step in the right direction. It shows that ministers have finally started listening to the concerns being raised by industry and by those of us who have been making the case in Parliament.

“However, there is no room for complacency. Many businesses will still face increased costs, as the 50% tariff above quota levels remains in place. The Government must closely monitor the impact of these changes and be prepared to act again if manufacturers and supply chains continue to suffer.”

Carla Lockhart MP added: “For Northern Ireland, the situation remains even more challenging. As a result of the Windsor Framework, local businesses continue to face a double whammy of UK trade measures alongside additional EU-related burdens and bureaucracy. That competitive disadvantage has not disappeared.



“In recent weeks I have been raising these concerns on behalf of local businesses. I have engaged directly to ministers, and I will continue pressing the Government to ensure that policies designed to protect British industry don’t end up delivering a self-inflicted hammer blow to the businesses they are supposed to support.