Trump tariffs could see 2,000 East Mids steel jobs axed, says union
Nearly 2,000 jobs in the East Midlands steel industry could be at risk from Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, according to one union.
Figures from GMB, the steel workers union, show Donald Trumps’ tariffs threaten 34,000 UK steel jobs – and some 1,855 in the East Midlands.
GMB says this would results in lost earnings of £54.8 and lost tax revenues of £11.5m.
The Trump administration has slapped a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminium, citing national security interests.
In total, more than a billion pounds are paid in wages to steelworkers across the country each year.
That adds up to more than £230m paid to the exchequer in tax and national insurance contributions.
The region most at risk is Yorkshire and the Humber, where 9,500 jobs could be hit.
The levies have now been imposed on the EU, Canada and Mexico, after they were previously granted exemptions.
Jude Brimble, GMB national secretary, said: “The Government must act urgently to protect the livelihoods of more than 30,000 steel workers.
“It’s clear that Donald Trump’s tariffs could have a devastating impact on steel communities and the wider UK economy.
“It’s time that Ministers stood up for the steel industry and UK manufacturing, not a President who will only ever put America first.”
Ben Digby, CBI international director, said: “The President’s measures are deeply concerning for firms in the UK, for close trading partners and across supply chains.
“Overproduction can distort the global market and erode the level playing field that business depends on to stay competitive. But this is a shared challenge whose root causes should be tackled jointly by the EU and the USA. There are no winners in a trade war, which will damage prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. These tariffs could lead to a protectionist domino effect, damaging firms, employees and consumers in the USA, UK and many other trading partners.”
