A Message to Our Customers
At DAS Fire, we are committed to delivering projects safely, efficiently and with complete transparency. We continually monitor market conditions to help our customers plan effectively and minimise risk.
We would like to make you aware of several industry-wide factors that are currently creating uncertainty across the UK construction and fire protection supply chain. These issues are affecting manufacturers, distributors, contractors and project owners across the sector.
What Is Driving the Current Market Challenge?
Three key factors are contributing to increased pressure on material availability, lead times and pricing:
- Changes to UK Steel Import Quotas
From 1 July 2026, revised UK steel measures came into effect.
The changes include:
- Reduced quota allowances on certain imported steel products.
- Increased tariffs once import quotas are exceeded.
- Potential additional costs of up to 50% on steel imported above quota thresholds.
- Increased pressure on the availability of some imported steel products.
These measures have been introduced to protect UK steel producers from global overcapacity and low-cost imports. However, industry bodies and suppliers have warned that they could also contribute to supply constraints, pricing volatility and market uncertainty if demand exceeds available quota allocations.
- Ongoing Global Supply Chain Pressures
Alongside the UK steel changes, wider geopolitical and economic factors continue to affect international supply chains.
Current challenges include:
- Increased freight and transportation costs.
- Rising energy prices.
- Global supply chain disruption.
- Longer shipping and manufacturing lead times in some regions.
- Reduced availability of certain imported materials and components.
While many supply chains remain resilient, these factors continue to place pressure on procurement planning across the construction industry.
- Future Carbon Import Regulations
A further regulatory change is expected from January 2027 with the introduction of the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The legislation is designed to apply carbon-related charges to certain imported products, including various steel-based materials commonly used throughout the construction sector.
Unlike recent steel tariff measures, which are linked to import volumes, CBAM focuses on the carbon emissions associated with the production of imported goods.
As sustainability reporting and carbon transparency continue to progress across the industry, businesses may need to consider the potential impact of CBAM when planning future procurement and material selection strategies.
What Could This Mean for Projects?
While it is currently too early to predict the precise impact on individual projects, customers may experience:
- Greater volatility in steel and material pricing.
- Reduced availability of some imported products.
- Shorter quotation validity periods across the industry.
- Increased emphasis on forward planning and procurement strategies.
- Potential lead-time changes if supply pressures increase.
At present, our suppliers have advised that lead times remain stable, as much of the steel currently being supplied has already been imported and is being drawn from existing stock holdings.
However, as these stocks are replenished under the new trading conditions, lead times may become more variable. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep customers informed as the market develops.
How DAS Fire Is Responding
Our teams are working closely with key supply chain partners to monitor developments and minimise disruption wherever possible.
Actions already underway include:
- Reviewing procurement strategies on live projects and future projects.
- Maintaining close communication with key suppliers regarding stock levels, pricing and availability.
- Monitoring potential impacts on future quotations and project delivery programmes.
- Working with customers to identify opportunities for earlier procurement where appropriate.
- Continuing to provide transparent and timely updates as market conditions develop.
How Customers Can Help Mitigate Risk
To provide the greatest level of certainty, we encourage customers to consider:
Engage Early
Early discussions allow our teams to assess procurement requirements and identify any potential supply chain risks before they impact project delivery.
Consider Procurement Decisions Sooner
Where projects are progressing through design and approval stages, earlier decisions may help secure current pricing and improve supply certainty.
Collaborative Planning
For larger or long-duration projects, approaches such as Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), Pre-Construction Services Agreements (PCSAs) and phased procurement strategies can provide greater certainty around programme, budget and resource planning.
Our Commitment
While many of the current market pressures are outside the control of any individual business, DAS Fire remains committed to:
- Delivering exceptional customer service.
- Maintaining strong supplier partnerships.
- Providing clear and transparent communication.
- Identifying practical solutions to minimise project risk.
- Supporting our customers through changing market conditions.
- Protecting project certainty wherever possible.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and share relevant updates as more information becomes available.
If you would like to discuss an upcoming project, procurement strategy or any potential implications for your programme, please contact your usual DAS Fire representat