Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any representations she has made to the UK Government regarding the impact of reduced quotas and increased tariffs on imported steel for local manufacturers. [Priority Written]
Minister for the Economy: I fully recognise the very serious concerns being raised by engineering, manufacturing, and construction firms across the north in relation to these new steel trade measures.
I wrote to the British Government on 15 April to raise these concerns and to highlight the potential implications for integrated all-island supply chains. While I await a formal response to my correspondence, my officials continue to engage with the Department for Business and Trade and with local industry representatives to assess the situation and inform our understanding of the potential impact on downstream steel users.
Information, support and guidance for businesses remains available via nibusinessinfo.co.uk, where firms can access uptodate advice and practical information to help them navigate the evolving trading environment.
ENDS
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