Britain’s steelmakers are beginning to feel the impact of the US imposing import duties, putting the struggling sector in danger of plunging back into crisis unless the EU breaks protocol and acts immediately, according to the industry body.

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday an immediate 25pc import duty on steel - and 10pc on aluminium - as he fulfilled a campaign pledge which he claimed would protect US industrial workers.

Prior to the levies being slapped on imports, trade body UK Steel had already received reports of members having orders from US customers delayed as they waited to see if Mr Trump would go ahead with the tariffs.

With the move confirmed, Gareth Stace, director of UK Steel said the full force of its introduction would soon be felt.