Welsh steel has received a big boost after the UK Government extended steel safeguards and Nissan announced a major UK expansion.
Last night, Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss MP, announced she’s accepted the recommendation of the Trade Remedies Authority - extending 10 of 19 steel safeguards, which were carried over from our membership of the EU.
Global economic conditions continue to be challenging for the steel sector and the UK Conservative Government is committed to ensuring that we can defend our steel sector from unfair trading practices and the sudden surge of imports and ensure that our industry can compete on a level-playing field.
This morning, Nissan has also announced a major expansion of electric vehicle production at its car plant in Sunderland which will create 1,650 new jobs. Historically, around half the steel used in production by Nissan at Sunderland has come from Port Talbot steelworks.
Welcoming both announcements, Welsh Conservative Shadow Economy Minister, Paul Davies MS said:
“These announcements are a hugely welcome boost for Welsh steel.
“The extension of safeguards is necessary with challenging economic conditions and Conservative ministers are determined to protect the Welsh steel sector and rightly ensure the industry can compete on a level-playing field.
“And in a further boost – despite the doomsday Brexit predictions – Nissan’s significant UK expansion plans have potentially very positive ramifications for Wales given the site in Sunderland has historically taken around half of their steel requirements from Port Talbot.
“Moving forward, I want to see such firms and jobs brought to Wales, but that will be dependent on a change in attitude from Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay, who seem more intent on picking constitutional battles rather than attracting new businesses and developing the Welsh economy.”
