UK steel industry fury as government looks to drop EU import restrictions

British producers describe move to remove protections as hammer blow' and utter madness'

A government body has recommended the removal of limits inherited from the EU on about half of the UK's steel imports, in a move that provoked fury from British producers.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) said on Friday that it would revoke the limits on nine categories of steel product, including some bars and wires, meaning imports will no longer face steep tariffs after quotas are filled. It extended limits for three years on another 10 products, including some steel for railways, gas pipes and large sheets.