It follows changes to the tariffs levied on foreign steel, external which meant imported products are subject to quotas, with some products being subject to taxes, making them more expensive.

Concerns were raised about the impact new steel taxes could have on manufacturing and engineering companies.

Community Union president Andrew Gutteridge said there had been substantial increases to galvanised steel imports from Vietnam, South Korea and India, since the move in July.

He said it had reduced Llanwern's UK market to just 25% and meant that workers were having a lot of downtime with production lines that are not constantly running.

"At the moment everybody is coming into work," he said.

"Tata is still making massive losses so the concern from the workforce is how long can it continue."

Gutteridge said it was heartbreaking to see imported galvanised steel from Vietnam coming into Newport Docks when the plant is just 10 minutes away.

He suggested a reduction in EU quota access which he said was placing additional pressure on the UK's steel operations.

He added: "I'm hoping the government will either come up with some funding or something to sort these tariffs.

"It is massively worrying concerns for Llanwern and the other downstream businesses."