The UK Trade Protection Authority (TRA) has announced the commencement of a review of the tariff quota (TRQ) on imports of Category 4 steel products (metal coated sheet) from Turkey.
The review request, which was submitted on 24 February and covers the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, was submitted by Tata Steel UK, indicating that metal coated sheet imports from Turkey exceeds the threshold to qualify for a developing country exemption (DCE) under UK rules. In particular, the application refers to the latest UK HMRC data on imports of Category 4 steel products, covering the 12-month period from December 2024 to November 2025. The data shows that Turkish imports of goods subject to inspection now exceed the three percent import share threshold for DCE status as specified in the regulations. During the review, the TRA may decide that Turkey will lose its emerging economy status and move into other countries' residual quota for metal-coated sheets.
At the end of the review, the TRA will make a recommendation to the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which may include provision for maintaining or changing Turkey's low volume exporter status in relation to the TRQ Category 4 measure. The Secretary of State will then decide whether to accept, reject or ask the TRA to reconsider its recommendation.
Goods subject to inspection fall under codes 7210 2000, 7210 4100, 7210 4900, 7210 6100, 7210 6900 20, 7210 6900 80, 7210 9080, 7212 2000, 7212 3000, 7212 5020, 7212 5030, 7212 5040, 7212 5061, 7212 5069, 7212 5090, 7225 9100, 7225 9200, 7225 9900, 7226 9910, 7226 9930 and 7226 9970.
