en.Wedoany.com Reported - Thorworld Industries, a UK-based manufacturer of steel handling equipment, invited Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins to visit its factory, where discussions focused on the potential impact of proposed steel import tariff adjustments on UK manufacturers and the supply chain.

During the visit, Perkins held meetings with senior management and toured production operations. The discussions centered on the potential unintended consequences of steel import tariff adjustments scheduled to take effect in July 2026.

Thorworld, a company headquartered in the UK with its production base located in Perkins' constituency, specializes in manufacturing steel handling equipment. The company supports the government's goal of promoting sustainable development in the domestic steel industry but is concerned that the current proposals could put UK steel-using manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage.

A key issue raised during the meeting was the imbalance between tariffs on raw or semi-finished steel and those on imported finished products. UK manufacturers face higher input costs due to increased steel import tariffs, while overseas competitors often lack corresponding tariff measures when importing finished equipment. This situation could stimulate finished product imports, harm domestic manufacturing, and weaken demand for UK steel in the long term.

Brendan Wilson, Finance Director of Thorworld Industries, stated that the company fully supports the UK steel industry and recognizes its strategic importance, particularly in terms of national resilience and defense. However, he noted that policies must support the entire supply chain; if manufacturers are disadvantaged, it will ultimately reduce rather than increase demand for UK steel.

During the visit, Thorworld also expressed concerns about product quality and safety in certain areas of the global market, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards, especially in industries where equipment reliability is critical.

Located in Chesterfield, near Sheffield—historically known as the UK's "Steel City"—Thorworld plays a role in supporting regional manufacturing and supply chain activities. With steel as its core input, the company is directly affected by fluctuations in price and supply.

MP Toby Perkins confirmed that he was pleased to meet with a successful company like Thorworld to understand the impact of government policies. He agreed with the principle that UK steel-using manufacturers should not be disadvantaged by policy measures and committed to conveying Thorworld's concerns to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

Thorworld has submitted a letter to the DBT outlining its position, including proposals to establish mechanisms to offset additional input costs for UK manufacturers, grant targeted exemptions when domestic supply is limited, and consider trade measures on imported finished products where steel constitutes a significant proportion of value. The company is currently preparing further data to support its arguments, including indicative cost comparisons between UK manufacturing and imported alternatives.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com