Britain’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has recommended imposing country-specific caps on certain steel imports to safeguard the domestic steel industry. The proposed caps would take effect from 1 October 2025, giving importers time to adapt. Additionally, the TRA suggests scrapping the “carry-over” quota system starting 1 July 2025.
The TRA expanded its tariff rate quota (TRQ) review in March to consider new concerns raised by UK Steel. After reviewing industry data and stakeholder submissions, the TRA proposed a 40pct country-specific cap on the residual quotas in the following categories:
Category 4 (metallic coated sheet)
Category 7 (non-alloy and other alloy quarto plates)
Category 13 (rebar)
If imports from any single country exceed 40pct of the residual quota in these categories, safeguard duties would apply.
The TRA referenced the OECD Steel Committee’s warning from November 2024 that global overcapacity is set to increase significantly in 2025 and 2026, heightening pressure on global steel markets.
Further proposed changes include ending the carry-over of unused quotas, restricting countries with country-specific quotas from accessing residual quotas in the final quarter, and halting the redistribution of unused quotas for developing countries exempt from the safeguard.
These recommendations remain subject to further review and government approval.