Nearly two thirds of firms involved in the metal sector believe the Government’s current trade policies hamper competitiveness, according to new findings.

It is one of the major outcomes of the third annual UK Metals Council’s State of the Metals Industry in the UK 2025/26 report, which revealed a complex picture of current trading conditions for firms involved in this critical industry.

52% of the 150 companies questioned called on access to more financial incentives and support to help them adapt to market and regulatory changes, whilst a similar figure wanted to see enhanced support from Whitehall for skills and training.

A revised relationship with both the European Union and the US is still seen as crucially important by more than a third of respondents.