The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has announced that it has responded to the industry's concerns by initiating a review of the tariff quota applied to imports of rebar (Category 13) from Vietnam in line with the UK's steel safeguard measure. The review will examine whether current quota mechanisms remain acceptable given the changing import patterns.
Seven Steel UK's application argued that rebar imports from Vietnam to the UK may now exceed the allowable three percent threshold, allowing an exception to be made for developing countries under quota rules. The investigation period for this review is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.
Key implications for the UK steel sector
This review highlights concerns within the UK steel industry that import patterns, especially rebar, could change significantly, affecting the effectiveness of the safeguard measure. If a country such as Vietnam has exceeded the exclusion threshold, the TRA may recommend that it be placed under quota restrictions by tightening the import channel.
In January-November of this year, the UK imported 21,184 tons of fittings from Vietnam.
