UK metals firms threaten to sue government over tariffs on steel imports from Asia

UK metals companies say thousands of tonnes of imported steel were left stranded at UK ports after the business secretary’s decision on steel tariffs. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA

UK metals companies have threatened to take legal action against the government over tariffs on raw steel imports from Asia which they claim have caused a “tsunami” of problems for the industry.

Earlier this summer, the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, reduced the amount of raw steel from Vietnam and South Korea that can be imported tariff-free in a move designed to protect UK raw steel makers, which face competition from cheap imports.