The charts illustrate changes in the UK steel industry between 1970 and 2000, showing total steel demand, domestic production and imports, as well as employment levels in the sector.
Overall, total steel demand in the UK declined steadily over the period. While domestic production fell significantly, imports rose gradually. At the same time, employment in the steel industry dropped sharply.
In 1970, total steel demand stood at just under 200 million tonnes. This figure decreased continuously, reaching approximately 100 million tonnes by 2000. UK steel production followed a similar downward trend, falling from around 170 million tonnes at the start of the period to roughly 90 million tonnes at the end. In contrast, steel imports increased from about 20 million tonnes in 1970 to nearly 80 million tonnes by 2000, almost matching domestic production.
Employment in the steel industry showed an even more dramatic decline. In 1970, around 50,000 people were employed in the sector. This number fell steadily over the next three decades, dropping to approximately 20,000 by 1990 and reaching just 15,000 in 2000.