The UK steel industry has been plunged into unprecedented crisis, and Brexit is at the root of it. The European Union has announced plans to hike tariffs on British steel imports to 50% and slash the quota for tariff-free shipments. With 80% of UK steel exports heading to the EU, this move is a near-knockout blow for British producers.

Steel industry leaders and unions warn this could be the biggest threat ever faced by UK steelmaking, putting thousands of jobs and entire communities at risk. According to UK Steel’s director, failure to negotiate a new arrangement with the EU could mean the end of the sector as Britain knows it.

Unlike when the UK was part of the EU—benefiting from seamless trade and influence—British negotiators now find themselves scrambling for special carve-outs to secure market access with no guarantees. Recent attempts to unlock US tariffs, which remain at 25%, have also stalled, compounding sector woes.

Many in the industry and media argue it’s time for politicians to be honest about the real economic consequences of Brexit, instead of blaming voters or outside events. Industry advocates insist that the government must go all-out in negotiations with Brussels to save an essential part of Britain’s industrial backbone. Some are even calling for Parliament to force urgent action or reopen conversations about reversing Brexit altogether.

Global protectionism is rising, and unless Britain defends its industries with frank negotiation and bold policies, it risks further deindustrialization. UK’s path forward depends on its leaders’ willingness to face facts and work out realistic solutions for steel and broader manufacturing.