The UK steel industry is currently navigating its most significant period of upheaval in a generation. Right now, we’re seeing a “double squeeze” of radical trade policy shifts and global commodity volatility filtering down to every corner of the construction market – from HS2 infrastructure to commercial security fencing.
At New Forest Fencing, we know that with so much volatility in the market, our customers need a proactive partner with the intelligence and agility needed to protect their bottom line. So although we aren’t market experts or analysts, we do know fencing and gates – and we’re seeing first-hand the impact of this ‘perfect’ storm on our steel industry.
That’s why we’re bringing you a summary of what’s happening, and letting you know how we’re planning to mitigate some of its inevitable effects in order to help everyone’s bottom line…
In late March, the UK Government launched its landmark Steel Strategy, aiming to boost domestic production to 50% of national demand. To achieve this, the Trade Remedies Authority is implementing two major levers on July 1st, 2026:
While intended to protect domestic giants like Tata and British Steel, the immediate result is a bottleneck. Major contractors have already warned that these tariffs will exacerbate existing cost pressures, and we’re already seeing longer lead times as the market adjusts to a “Buy British” mandate that domestic mills are still scaling up to meet.
Outside our borders, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have triggered energy shocks, driving up the cost of running the Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) essential for production.
Simultaneously, the industry’s transition to “Green Steel” is baking a permanent “Green Premium” into base prices as carbon allowances are phased out. With “embodied carbon” now a top-tier procurement metric, architects and structural engineers are increasingly scrutinising material choices to meet strict 2026 sustainability regulations.
We know that for our Principal Contractors, fixed-price contracts are becoming harder to maintain and tender volatility is at an all-time high.
Here are the preventative measures we’re putting in place now at New Forest Fencing to help cushion our projects going forward, improving efficiency for everyone as much as possible.
Architect’s Tip:
If you’re designing for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ project, ask us about ‘Construction Design Management (CDM)’. We can specify bolt-down modular systems rather than permanent concrete-in posts, allowing the steel to be recovered and reused at the end of the building’s life – a key metric for the 2026 Circular Economy standards.
Want to discuss a project with us?
The “Perfect Storm” in the steel market is real, but it is manageable with the right partner. And while we are unable to provide an ‘eternal shield’ or outrun these challenges completely, rest-assured that by combining 60 years of technical knowledge and stability, with a proactive approach to the 2026 Steel Strategy, New Forest Fencing will always commit to delivering the best and highest quality service possible for your perimeter requirements.
Do you have a project on the horizon? Get in touch with Dean or Dan today to lock in your supply chain and mitigate your tariff exposure.
