【SMM Steel】Steel tariff hike sparks industry backlash as HS2 costs climb

Published: Mar 25, 2026 17:00

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【SMM Steel】A major HS2 contractor warned UK's steel import tariff doubling will worsen cost pressures for the strained construction sector. The government aims to protect domestic steelmakers. But the move is expected to drive up steel costs amid an energy shock that already lifted steel and concrete prices. Rising material costs threaten the £100bn HS2 project. Mace's chair called the tariffs ill-timed and counterproductive.

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