On September 4, 2023, the UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) launched an extension review of the steel safeguard measure. The extension review assessed whether serious harm to UK steel producers would reoccur if the safeguard were removed in any of 15 product categories.
During the extension review, the TRA considered evidence from both domestic and international industry and organizations. After careful consideration of the facts, a recommendation was made on April 19, 2024 to the Secretary of State for Trade and Commerce to extend the measure for a further 2 years for all 15 product categories, to June 30, 2026. If the measure expires, UK industry could be seriously injured in all 15 product categories.
The Secretary of State for Trade and Commerce has considered the evidence contained in the TRA's recommendation and wider issues of public interest, including the UK's obligations under the relevant WTO Agreement. As a result of these discussions, the Secretary of State for Trade and Commerce has decided to extend the safeguard measure for all 15 product categories until June 30, 2026.
The Secretary of State's decision to extend the measure to 5 of the 15 product categories represents a departure from the UK's obligations under the relevant WTO Agreements. The Secretary of State for Trade and Commerce balanced this against the evidence found by the TRA's investigation and the UK's public interest.
Ukraine suspension extended
In addition, the Minister of State for Trade and Commerce also decided to extend the suspension against Ukraine until June 30, 2026. The extension review conducted by the TRA did not take into account the future of the current suspension against Ukraine, as this was outside their mandate. The Secretary of State for Trade and Commerce has decided that it is in the UK's public interest to extend the suspension on Ukraine until June 30, 2026. This decision guarantees that imports of Ukrainian steel will not be subject to additional safeguard quotas and duties. This is in line with the UK's commitment to support Ukraine in its war with Russia.
These decisions by the Secretary of State for Trade and Commerce have been taken after consultation with relevant ministers and taking into account the Ministerial Code and the UK's wider obligations.
The decisions will come into force from July 1, 2024. The Government will publish a public notice on June 30, 2024 to bring these decisions into force.
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