As tougher steel import rules come into force, one of Britain's longest-established manufacturers says businesses that have continued to invest in UK production face rising costs, while overseas competitors escape the impact.
The Walsall Wheelbarrow Company has warned that new Government steel import measures coming into force on 1 July could increase costs for UK manufacturers and risk driving more production overseas.
The Black Country manufacturer, which says it is the UK's only producer of complete wheelbarrows, has raised concerns that the new trade regime could leave British manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage despite its aim of protecting the domestic steel industry.
The concerns are likely to resonate across the construction products sector, where manufacturers of tools, fixings, landscaping products, access equipment and other steel-intensive goods continue to face pressure from rising input costs while supplying the builders' merchant market.
The new measures replace the UK's existing steel safeguards with tighter tariff-rate quotas covering 20 steel product categories manufactured in Britain. Imports above the allocated quotas will now attract a 50% tariff, while tariff-free quotas have been reduced by more than 50%.
While the Government says the changes are designed to protect UK steelmakers from global oversupply and unfair competition, the Walsall Wheelbarrow Company says many manufacturers rely on specialist grades of steel that are simply not available from UK producers.
The family-owned business purchases around 4,000 tonnes of steel each year and supports an extensive UK supply chain, including steel processors, transport companies, powder coaters, tube bending specialists, CNC engineers, toolmakers and welders.
The company says it has invested more than £5 million in its manufacturing operations over the past 14 years, including a £500,000 investment in solar energy in 2025, while continuing to manufacture entirely in Britain.
However, it warns that increasing steel costs, alongside rising employment and energy costs and the introduction of the UK's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2027, could undermine manufacturers that have continued to invest in UK production.
In a statement, the Thacker family said: "While we recognise the intention is to support UK steel production, many manufacturers rely on specifications of steel that are simply not available from domestic producers."
The company says it has already begun exploring overseas sourcing options to offset future cost pressures.
After more than 80 years of UK manufacturing, the family is urging ministers to consider the wider impact on downstream manufacturers.
"Britain should be creating more reasons to manufacture here, not introducing policies that risk driving production elsewhere," the statement said.
