The protectionist Trump administration has issued a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminium, citing national security interests.

The European Union plans to challenge the move at the World Trade Organization (WTO) with Canada and Mexico, which are also affected by the tariffs, planning their own retaliatory moves.

GMB said its exclusive figures show that 34,000 UK steel jobs are under threat due to the tariffs.

In total, more than a billion pounds are paid in wages to steelworkers across the country each year.

That adds up to more than £230 million paid to the exchequer in tax and national insurance contributions, the union added.

The region most at risk is Yorkshire and the Humber, where 9,500 jobs could be hit. [See note 2 for regional break down of jobs and risk to economy).

Just behind is Wales where 9,250 jobs are at risk.

The levies have now been imposed on the EU, Canada and Mexico, after they were previously granted exemptions.

GMB’s 101st annual congress takes place in Brighton from June 4 – 6.

Jude Brimble, GMB national secretary, said: “The government must act urgently to protect the livelihoods of more than 30,000 steel workers.

“It’s clear that Donald Trump’s tariffs could have a devastating impact on steel communities and the wider UK economy.

“It’s time that Ministers stood up for the steel industry and UK manufacturing, not a President who will only ever put America first.”