LONDON, Feb 16, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The UK government on Sunday announced a
multi-billion-pound plan to protect Britain's steel industry, as it faces
looming US trade tariffs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour administration said it was stumping up
to o2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) to help support the sector.

It also launched a consultation looking at how to "protect the steel sector
from unfair trading practices abroad" and reduce high electricity costs.

"The UK steel industry has a long-term future under this government,"
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said in a statement.

The announcement came days after US President Donald Trump said he would
impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from March 12.

Canada, Mexico and Brazil are among the biggest steel exporters to the United
States, followed by South Korea.

Britain exports about 10 percent of its steel to the US, shipping nearly o400
million ($495 million) worth there in 2023.

The UK's steel industry body has said the tariff plan would be a "devastating
blow".

Starmer's government says it is "engaging" with Trump's administration "to
work through the detail" of his announcement.