UK Steel Welcomes Tariffs During Brexit Transition

The UK Steel trade association has welcomed the UK government's approval that 15% anti-dumping steel tariffs will be rescheduled for Brexit. However, the association has called for an agreement to prepare to deal with trade cases.

UK Steel CEO Gareth Stays says: “We warmly welcome the government's confirmation that 15 anti-dumping tariffs critical for UK steelmakers will be pushed back in time for Brexit. These measures are important for the future competitiveness of steel production in the UK so that we do not become the dumping ground for Europe in the event of a sudden exit from the block at the end of March. ”

“However, this does not mean that we believe the UK is sufficiently prepared to take full responsibility for trade remedies in just a few months. The UK Trade Funds Authority is still legally non-existent, lacks significant collective experience and is still in the process of recruiting and training, ”says a spokesperson for the association.

“British steel producers are at risk of unfair trading practices, while the fledgling Merchant Agency is grappling with this gigantic challenge and is trying to catch up with its EU counterpart,” he continues. “The withdrawal agreement, followed by a corresponding lengthy transition period, would give the Trade Funds Authority nearly two years to properly prepare for its new role. This is the only reasonable option. "