Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has received responses from three of the county’s MPs following its call for urgent clarity on the Government’s proposed changes to steel tariffs and the potential impact on Shropshire employers.

The Chamber wrote to all Shropshire MPs outlining concerns raised by members - particularly manufacturers, fabricators, and engineering firms who rely heavily on specialist steel imports.

Businesses warned that the Government’s Plan for Steel, including a commitment to cut tariff‑free import quotas by 60% from this month, could significantly increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and undermine competitiveness.

South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson said he had raised the issue “at the highest level in Parliament” after being contacted by both the Chamber and local employer The Amodil Group in Cleobury Mortimer.

He said: “The UK cannot meet domestic market demand, and a huge gap will be created. Businesses will be forced to import, and tariffs will drive up costs by 50%. There is not the cash across the industry to absorb those extra costs without mass redundancies.

“The customer will buy the finished product from manufacturers overseas at a lower price, and those products are not subject to tariffs. That does not level the playing field for us.”

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan also responded, expressing strong concerns about the impact of the tariff changes on local employers.

Writing to Chamber chief executive Ruth Ross, she said: “I share your concerns, and I have recently joined colleagues in writing to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade urging the Government to delay or taper the implementation of these tariffs before serious damage is done to sectors such as advanced manufacturing, engineering and construction.”

She said the proposed approach risks harming businesses that rely on specialist steels not produced at scale in the UK.

“While the Government’s aim of encouraging domestic production is welcome, tariffs on specialist steels not produced, approved or supplied at scale in the UK will not increase domestic production but will increase costs for UK businesses.”

Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley said she also understood the concerns raised by Shropshire Chamber, and outlined several changes to the Government’s approach.

“The key changes include a reduction in the proposed quota cuts from 60% to 51% (with any imports above these levels now facing a 50% tariff), and an increase in the tariff free import quotas to 3.2 metric tonnes, representing a 21% increase on the previous quotas.

“This is a welcomed step in the right direction, however I also recognise that changes could still go further to ensure that our steel measures support the entirety of the supply chain.”

She said she would shortly be meeting steel manufacturers in Shrewsbury to gather further evidence and feedback.

Ruth Ross said: “Steel‑dependent businesses across Shropshire are facing a period of real uncertainty, and tariff changes of this scale could have far‑reaching consequences for our manufacturers and engineering firms.

“We welcome the engagement from our MPs and the fact that these concerns are already being raised in Parliament. It is vital that Shropshire’s voice continues to be heard clearly as decisions are made.”

She said Shropshire Chamber would continue gathering evidence from affected employers and share further updates as discussions progressed.