Raising the issue this week in the House of Commons, the Ms Lockhart warned that local businesses are being forced to pay EU tariffs on Category 4 galvanised coil and Category 7 heavy plate steel sourced from elsewhere in their own country.
 
Responding, Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson offered only further engagement with industry.
 
Carla Lockhart MP said: “The Minister’s answer was completely detached from the reality facing businesses in my Upper Bann constituency and across Northern Ireland.
 
“Local firms are telling me that investment is being curtailed because they face a staggering 50% tariff for purchasing British steel within the United Kingdom.
 
“This steel is essential to construction, engineering, agricultural machinery, trailers, roofing and cladding. These costs will not stop with the fabricator. They will be passed on to farmers, builders, businesses and ultimately consumers.”
 
Ms Lockhart added: “There are serious concerns about reduced quotas, the availability of essential steel products, disrupted supply chains and Northern Ireland firms being placed at a competitive disadvantage.
 
“The Westminster Government must stop pretending that the Windsor Framework is working and recognise the real economic damage it is causing. It is diverting trade, deterring investment and weakening Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom’s internal market.”
 
She added: “Ministers were warned repeatedly that this would happen. They chose not to listen and now businesses, workers and consumers face paying the price.
 
“Northern Ireland firms do not need more engagement, warm words or excuses. They need these punitive barriers removed and their right to trade freely within their own country restored.
 
“How many jobs must be sacrificed before the Government finally acts?, questioned Ms Lockhart.