In an era of rising geopolitical tension and economic nationalism, steel is no longer just a commodity — it's a strategic asset. Around the world, governments are imposing tariffs, enacting emergency measures, and tightening export controls. The result? A ripple effect that’s driving up costs, reshaping supply chains, and pushing industries into a new era of volatility.

Here’s how tariffs are directly impacting the steel industry in 2025 — with real-world examples from the U.S., U.K., and beyond.

United States: Steel Tariffs Driving Up Prices and Delays

In a major policy shift, the U.S. government recently reinstated a blanket 25% tariff on all imported steel, removing prior exemptions for allies like Canada and Mexico.

The impact has been immediate:

• Clean energy developers are facing price hikes on steel used for solar frames, wind towers, and transmission infrastructure.

• U.S. mills are enjoying a short-term boost in demand but are struggling to keep pace, leading to production bottlenecks and longer lead times.

Example: A wind energy firm building utility-scale projects in the Midwest reported a 12% increase in total project costs due to higher steel prices and supply delays from domestic mills now swamped with orders.

United Kingdom: British Steel on Life Support

Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom’s steel sector is teetering on the edge. The government recently passed emergency legislation to keep its last two steel blast furnaces operational by securing vital fuel shipments.

The urgency? If these plants shut down, the UK becomes the only G7 nation without the ability to produce its own steel — a profound vulnerability in a world where supply chains are increasingly weaponized.

Why it matters: Without domestic capacity, the UK would become entirely dependent on foreign steel — subject to tariffs, quotas, and geopolitical friction.

European Union: Scrap Export Restrictions Tighten Global Supply

The European Union isn’t just watching from the sidelines. In a bid to shield its own steelmakers, the EU is moving to restrict scrap steel exports — a raw material critical to global electric arc furnace production.

The consequences are global:

• Countries like Turkey and India, which rely heavily on EU scrap, now face increased costs.

• These restrictions function like a de facto tariff, tightening global supply and pushing international steel prices higher.

Global Volatility Makes Planning Harder

Since early 2025, steel prices have whipsawed in response to:

• U.S. tariff announcements

• Chinese countermeasures

• Freight disruptions through the Red Sea and Panama Canal

For buyers — especially in infrastructure, automotive, and manufacturing — this volatility makes planning and hedging increasingly difficult.

What It All Means

The message is clear: steel is becoming politicized. Whether it’s tariffs, export bans, or subsidies, governments are treating it less like a market good and more like a national security priority.

For industrial companies, this means:

• Greater price volatility

• Increased pressure to localize supply

• A growing need for risk management strategies

The days of “just-in-time” steel procurement are giving way to a new era — one where hedging, storage, and strategic sourcing are no longer optional.

At Pillar, we help companies exposed to commodity volatility — from steel to scrap — hedge their risk automatically, so they can focus on building instead of guessing.

Want to see how it works? Get in touch for a demo →