Port Talbot

Question 1

History

Answer 1

Important global hub of steel in the 18th century - during the ‘golden’ age of the British empire - by 1990s only had 2 steelworks left - because of the global shift to South Korea and China.

Question 2

Financial crisis

Answer 2

Global steel demand fell during the financial crisis - China produced excess steel which it then dumped onto the market - lowering the international price.

Question 3

Repercussions

Answer 3

This has meant that British steel works are no longer profitable - needed to be saved by the UK government - Tata Steel have kept their furnaces open for another 5 years.