Contractors must give priority to British-made steel when using the material in building projects in the UK under new government rules.
The new rules will force public sector bodies to consider new issues when looking to buy steel, including carbon footprints - giving a clear advantage to British steel over Chinese products.
Sourcing and health and safety issues are also to be taken into account, with the rules applying to all public bodies, not just central government.
Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock remarked: "From operating theatres to new buildings, public sector buyers will need to consider social and economic benefits, alongside value for money."
As a result, UK steel could find it is operating on a more level playing field than has been seen recently, in which prices have been depressed due to Chinese dumping, a situation that has prompted Tata to announce it is selling its UK steel plants.
Suggestions for saving steel plants in Port Talbot, Grimsby and Rotherham range from temporary nationalisation to more tariffs to curb Chinese dumping.
