Trump's metal tariffs are already buckling the UK economy: Ed Conway explains
Mar 25, 2025
auto_awesome
Ed Conway, economics and data editor at Sky News, offers insightful analysis on the repercussions of Trump’s metal tariffs on UK industries. He reports from an aluminum plant in Scotland and a stainless steel producer in Sheffield, revealing the struggles these sectors face amidst soaring costs and reduced exports. Conway also shines a light on a hopeful tungsten mine in Devon, emphasizing its historical significance and potential in today's economy. The conversation highlights urgent challenges and the need for strategic responses from businesses and government.
US tariffs on metals are severely impacting the UK's steel and aluminum industries, leading to financial strain and potential job losses.
Amidst the challenges, the UK's tungsten reserves present an opportunity to strengthen its domestic supply chain due to rising global demand.
Deep dives
Impact of US Tariffs on UK Metal Industries
US tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on metals like steel and aluminum have significant repercussions for the UK's metal industries. The tariffs are part of a broader volatile global trade landscape, leading to fears of economic slowdown. For instance, UK companies have become increasingly vulnerable, with evidence of severe financial strain emerging from steel manufacturers, including hefty unexpected costs due to tariffs. This real-world impact illustrates the tangible consequences of economic policies that may seem abstract at first glance.
Case Study: Sheffield's Steel Production
Sheffield, historically known for its steel production, exemplifies the adverse effects of the new tariffs on local businesses. The city still produces stainless steel, a vital material for various applications; however, the imposition of tariffs means that a significant portion of its exports, particularly to the US, now incur heavy fees. One factory faced a $3 million bill due to timing discrepancies with shipments, showcasing how dependent they are on timely delivery for economic viability. The potential job losses reveal the broader dangers of trade disruptions in an already struggling industry.
Opportunities Amid Challenges: The Tungsten Resource
While many steel and aluminum producers face hardships, the UK's tungsten reserves present a unique opportunity for the country. Tungsten, essential for various applications including military uses and high-temperature settings, is primarily sourced from China, which has recently limited its export. The Hemmerden Mine in Devon, with a history of operation during wartime, could now play a crucial role due to rising global demand aggravated by US tariffs on Chinese products. Therefore, there is potential for the UK to establish a more robust domestic tungsten supply chain, benefiting from geopolitical shifts in the industry.
The world is bracing itself for what Donald Trump is calling 'Liberation Day' when on 2 April he's promised tariffs will be placed on most countries trading with the US.
The UK is already feeling the effects of Trump's protectionist policies after tariffs were imposed on its metal industries.
On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to economics and data editor Ed Conway who has been travelling across the UK looking at the impact they're having so far. He visits an aluminium plant in Scotland and a stainless steel producer in Sheffield, both hit by the tariffs, but finds there is some hope for a tungsten mine in Devon.
Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible