The National Federation of Builders responds as American levies are imposed on steel and aluminium

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) – representing SME builders and regional contractors across England and Wales – agrees with the Government that the UK and the EU should be permanently and fully exempted from the American measures on steel and aluminium.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said:

“The steel tariffs which are to be imposed on the EU by the US from midnight tonight are a deeply concerning move for the construction industry.”

“While the NFB campaigns for improvements to payment, procurement and planning processes, the availability and price of materials also has a substantial impact on the ability of construction companies to deliver.”

“Due to rising costs, which will further increase overnight, NFB members who are already looking outside the EU for material suppliers will be faced with an even bigger challenge. What they are buying, and where, provides a good indicator as to how home-grown markets can be developed. The production of materials that are not available at competitive prices will determine to a reasonable extent, the price which will be imposed to the economy as a whole.”

“We agree with the Government that the UK and the EU should be permanently and fully exempted from the American measures on steel and aluminium.”

“Three out of ten pillars in the Government’s industrial strategy focus on developing a skilled workforce, upgrading our infrastructure, and streamlining the procurement process – all vital improvements for the construction industry. We are pleased to see that the Government agrees with us when it comes to improving our national infrastructure as this is a fundamental step in driving economic growth.”