Port of Liverpool Breaks Steel Import Record in 2024: A Game-Changer for UK Industry
In 2024, the Port of Liverpool, a key player in the UK's logistics sector, achieved an impressive milestone by processing 702,000 metric tons of bulk steel — a new record for the port. This marks a major leap, surpassing the previous record by over 50,000 metric tons. The steel was sourced from a variety of countries, including South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey, and several European nations. This achievement signals the port’s growing importance in the global steel trade and highlights the critical role it plays in supporting industries that rely on a steady supply of steel.
The milestone came on the back of significant investments made by Peel Ports Group, the operator of the port, in enhancing its infrastructure. These investments have ensured that the Port of Liverpool can accommodate growing demand and solidify its role as a key logistics hub for steel imports in the UK. The 2024 steel import figures not only highlight the port’s capacity to handle large volumes of cargo but also illustrate the vital importance of steel in fueling the economy and supporting key industrial sectors.
Strategic Investments to Boost Port’s Handling Capacity and Infrastructure
Peel Ports has continuously invested in improving the infrastructure and logistics capabilities at the Port of Liverpool, helping the port meet the growing demands of global trade. Among the most significant developments is the £2 million ($2.57 million) investment in a new deep-water bulk berth at the Alexandra Complex. The deep-water berth ensures that larger vessels can dock at the port, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective handling of bulk steel shipments. This investment is a key element of Peel Ports’ long-term strategy to increase the Port of Liverpool’s capacity and strengthen its position as a key logistics node for bulk goods like steel.
In addition to the new deep-water berth, Peel Ports Group also invested in expanding its storage and handling capacities. In 2025, a further 200,000 square feet of storage space was added to the port’s facilities, aimed at improving its ability to handle steel coil and precious metals. These enhancements are part of the port’s ongoing efforts to meet the growing demand for steel, particularly steel coil, which plays an essential role in various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and construction.
Why Steel Imports Matter: Supporting UK’s Key Industries
The 702,000 metric tons of steel imported through the Port of Liverpool in 2024 were crucial for multiple sectors that form the backbone of the UK economy. Of the total steel imports, 85% was steel coil, a form of steel used in a variety of industries such as construction, automotive, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. The steel imports play a central role in meeting the raw material needs of these sectors and helping them remain competitive in an increasingly globalized economy.
Key Industries That Benefit from Steel Imports:
• Construction: Steel is fundamental in the construction of infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, roads, and high-rise projects. The steel coil imported into the UK is a key material in this sector, used for structural reinforcement and construction frameworks.
• Automotive: The UK automotive industry is a major consumer of high-quality steel, particularly for producing durable, safe, and lightweight vehicles. Steel coil plays a crucial role in manufacturing body panels, chassis, and other vehicle components.
• Agriculture: Steel is a vital material for the agricultural sector, where it is used in producing farming equipment and machinery. Steel’s durability and strength are key factors in designing tools that can withstand the harsh conditions of agricultural environments.
• Renewable Energy: The renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy, relies heavily on steel for producing wind turbines and related infrastructure. Steel coils are used for manufacturing wind tower components and turbine blades, contributing to the growing push for sustainable energy solutions.
• Healthcare: Steel is critical in the healthcare industry, where it is used to make medical devices, surgical tools, hospital equipment, and infrastructure. The strength and resilience of steel are essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of medical products.
• Manufacturing: Steel is the backbone of modern manufacturing, being used in the production of a wide range of goods, from household appliances to heavy machinery. Its versatility, strength, and durability make it a key material for manufacturers.
These industries depend on a reliable supply of steel to maintain production levels and meet increasing demand for goods and services. The steel imported through the Port of Liverpool helps to ensure that these sectors can continue to thrive and innovate in an increasingly competitive global market.
Phil Hall’s Vision for the Future of the Port of Liverpool
Phil Hall, the Mersey Port Director at Peel Ports Group, expressed his satisfaction with the port’s record steel import figures, underscoring the port’s role in supporting key UK industries. He said:
“The Port of Liverpool is a deep-water gateway to global markets, and we’re thrilled to achieve a record-breaking year for steel imports. The figures speak for themselves, showing the work we’re doing to meet our ambition of cementing Liverpool as the leading UK hub providing vital commodities to a range of industries.”
Hall emphasized the ongoing commitment of Peel Ports to invest in the port’s infrastructure, expand its market reach, and develop more port-centric services. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance Liverpool’s position as a world-class logistics hub for bulk goods, particularly steel. Hall also highlighted that the record-breaking steel import figures would help the port build stronger relationships with its customers and continue to grow its influence in the global steel trade.
Building a Sustainable Future for Steel and Other Commodities
Peel Ports’ ongoing investment in the Port of Liverpool isn’t just about increasing the volume of goods handled; it’s also about supporting the UK’s transition to a greener, more sustainable economy. The steel industry, in particular, has been under growing pressure to reduce its carbon emissions, and the demand for green steel is on the rise. By ensuring that the Port of Liverpool has the infrastructure and capacity to handle these materials efficiently, Peel Ports is playing a key role in supporting the UK’s net-zero goals and environmental commitments.
Moreover, Peel Ports is also focused on improving supply chain resilience in response to global challenges like trade disruptions and logistical bottlenecks. The Port of Liverpool’s investments in modern infrastructure, green technologies, and advanced storage solutions are designed to future-proof the port and ensure that it can continue to meet the evolving needs of UK industry in a rapidly changing world.
Key Takeaways
• Port of Liverpool broke its record for steel imports in 2024, processing 702,000 metric tons of bulk steel.
• The steel imports came from global sources including South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey, and Europe.
• 85% of the steel imported was in the form of steel coil, used across multiple sectors like construction, automotive, agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare.
• Peel Ports made a £2 million ($2.57 million) investment in a new deep-water bulk berth to support growing demand for steel.
• 200,000 square feet of additional storage was added in 2025 to enhance coil and precious metals handling capacities.
• Phil Hall, Mersey Port Director, highlighted the Port of Liverpool’s role as a key UK hub for steel imports and its ongoing investments in infrastructure.
• The Port of Liverpool plays a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s steel supply chains, contributing to key industries that fuel economic growth, job creation, and innovation.
The Port of Liverpool’s record steel imports in 2024 represent a significant achievement that not only reflects the port’s growing capacity but also underscores its importance in ensuring that the UK remains competitive in vital industries reliant on steel. With continued investments, the Port of Liverpool is poised to continue driving the UK’s industrial growth while contributing to the global steel trade.
