This morning, US President Donald Trump announced plans to increase Section 232 tariffs on imported aluminium and steel from 25% to 50%, with the change reportedly due to take effect as early as Wednesday next week.
The announcement, made during a campaign rally, has caused immediate concern across the UK aluminium sector, with key questions arising about the scope and enforcement of the proposed increase, and what this could mean for the long-anticipated UK-US trade agreement on aluminium and steel.
In response, ALFED has written to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to seek urgent clarification. The Federation has requested an update on:
- The current status of the UK-US metals deal and its implementation timeline
- Whether the UK will remain subject to small and restrictive quotas under any new arrangement
- Whether UK-origin aluminium would face the proposed 50% tariff if exported outside of quota
- What official guidance will be issued to UK businesses to support immediate commercial planning
DBT has confirmed that it is now engaging urgently with the US to better understand the announcement and will update stakeholders as soon as further details are available.
The situation raises pressing concerns for UK aluminium producers and exporters, who are already managing the impacts of trade realignments, high energy costs, and new carbon border requirements. The lack of clarity on quota volumes and tariff treatment poses a potential risk to transatlantic supply chains and contracts due to take effect in the coming weeks.
UK Steel has also voiced alarm at the announcement, warning that UK producers may face disproportionate consequences if robust and fair arrangements are not secured swiftly.
ALFED will continue to engage directly with DBT in the coming days and will provide members with further updates as soon as official guidance becomes available.
If you are an ALFED member likely to be affected by this development, or wish to contribute to the Federation’s ongoing policy engagement, please contact Nadine Bloxsome at nbloxsome@alfed.org.uk.
