News

Welsh steel industry faces uncertainty amid US tariffs

Published

9 months ago

March 13, 2025

THE WELSH steel industry is facing renewed pressure after the United States imposed a 25% tariff on all UK steel and aluminium imports. The decision, effective from March 12, has sparked widespread concern among industry leaders and politicians, who warn it could deal a severe blow to an already struggling sector.

Impact on Welsh steel

Wales is home to key steel plants, including Tata Steel’s Port Talbot facility and operations in Trostre (Llanelli), Celsa (Cardiff), Llanwern (Newport), and Shotton (Deeside). The U.S. market plays a crucial role in the UK steel sector, accounting for around 9% of exports by value and 7% by volume. The newly imposed tariffs threaten to undermine the competitiveness of Welsh steel producers in this vital export market.

Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Business Secretary, described the U.S. decision as “disappointing,” stressing the importance of diplomacy to negotiate a resolution. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that all options remain open but that the priority is constructive engagement to remove the barriers imposed by the U.S.

Calls for retaliation

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick has called for a tougher stance. He said: “This development only goes to show that Donald Trump and his sidekick Elon Musk ride roughshod over UK interests, while the Conservatives and Nigel Farage gleefully cheer them on.

“Labour must respond to Trump’s move with a show of strength to protect what is left of the Welsh steel industry. We know from his previous actions that this is the only way to stand up to him.

“The Government should now draw up plans for retaliatory tariffs, including a Tesla tariff to hit Musk where it hurts.”

Industry concerns

Steel industry representatives have echoed concerns over the potential consequences. Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel, described the tariffs as “hugely damaging,” warning that they come at a time when the UK steel sector is already struggling with high energy costs, sluggish domestic demand, and an increasingly protectionist global market.

Global trade tensions

The European Union has announced countermeasures on €26 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to the tariffs, set to take effect from April 1. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the tariffs “unjustified” and said the EU’s response would be “swift and proportionate.”

While the UK has so far refrained from immediate retaliation, government officials are under mounting pressure to act. With the steel industry being a vital part of Wales’ economy, many argue that without decisive intervention, the sector could face further decline.

As negotiations continue, Welsh steel producers face an uncertain future, with the need for strong political support and strategic planning to secure the industry’s survival in a challenging global landscape.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

4 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.