TRA plans to extend tariffs on hot rolled flat and coil steel
It has been announced that The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) proposes to extend measures on hot rolled flat and coil steel imports from China, Russia, Brazil and Iran, but remove them for Ukraine.
The TRA is reviewing three measures:
The TRA proposes to extend the measures on imports from China, Russia, Brazil and Iran but remove them for Ukraine, as it concluded that dumping of products from Ukraine was unlikely to recur, due to the reduction in Ukraine’s production capacity and limits on the ability to export caused by the war with Russia. The TRA also took into account Ukraine’s requirement to rebuild steel production facilities and domestic demand for steel to rebuild the country’s infrastructure. The TRA also proposes to extend its current suspension of measures on imports of this product from Ukraine for another 12 months, which will allow time for the review to be completed.
Interested parties have until Monday 10 April to make representations to the Trade Remedies Authority.
To see the full proposal, visit UK Gov website here
New Framework Proposal for TRA operations
On the 9th March, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch made a Written Ministerial Statement to the House of Commons, outlining plans to bring forward new primary and secondary legislation to be passed by the end of the year on amending the framework the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) operates within.
The current framework and powers of the TRA and the Trade Secretary are set out in the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 and the Trade Act 2021.
The Secretary of State is proposing the following changes in the trade remedies policy process:
Require the TRA to notify Ministers before initiating new investigations.
Provide Ministers with the power to request the TRA to reassess a recommendation to apply a trade remedy where there is justification to do so. For example, where there is new evidence which the TRA has not previously considered or to correct an error.
Give Ministers the flexibility to apply an alternative remedy to that recommended by the TRA, where there is supporting evidence to do so, and it is in the public interest.
Give the power to the TRA to provide alternative options within its recommendation to Ministers, where justified.
Make the TRA’s assessment of the economic interest test (EIT) advisory so that the Ministers will still be able to apply measures if the TRA determines that the EIT is not met.
Give Ministers the power to revoke trade remedy measures without the need for a TRA recommendation if retaining a measure is no longer in the public interest. Ministers may request that the TRA provide advice, support, and assistance before deciding to revoke measures.
The British Chambers of Commerce issued a statement about the new proposal:
"The proposed new legislation is not a surprise to business given the ways in which trade remedies policy (particularly as it applies to China) has developed in the US, the EU and the UK over the last few years.
In relation to steel imports, care should be taken that trade remedies policy does not lead to soaring costs or lack of available supply for UK importers and manufacturers already facing large input cost price rises.
Today's announcement further makes the case for other policy decisions being made on whether or not the UK will adopt a carbon border adjustment mechanism like the EU's, and closer steel and aluminium supply chain co-operation between the UK, EU and US.
We look forward to engaging soon with DBT on the scope of the proposed legislation and the new policy-making process on trade remedies."
Does your business need support?
The Chamber works with members closely ensuring we are voicing their concerns to local, regional and national government. If your business is being affected by any of the above, get in touch with our team emailing us at exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk or calling 0161 393 4314
Sources: UK Gov, Trade Remedies Agency, Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament, British Chambers of Commerce