The UK may abolish the quota exemption for flat-rolled products from Turkey

Imports of hot-dip galvanized sheet from Turkey to the UK may lose their developing country exemption status and fall under the quota for other countries. This was reported by Argus Media, citing preliminary findings by the UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA).

The TRA launched the review in response to an application from Tata Steel, the only producer of galvanized steel in the UK. According to the company, imports of Turkish HDG exceeded the 3% tax exemption threshold in the 12 months to November.

The agency will publish its final recommendation by the end of March, so any changes are likely to be implemented on April 1.

Total imports of hot-dip galvanized sheet to the UK exceeded 1 million tons in 2025, with Turkey securing a market share of approximately 5.8%.

Traders and buyers suggest that the increase in Turkish volumes was partly caused by a last-minute change in quotas for other countries from July 1, 2025, which left South Korean and Vietnamese products stuck in ports. As a result, buyers effectively duplicated their purchases of these materials from Turkey.

It should be noted that in 2025, exports of steel products from Turkey showed steady growth – by 12.5% compared to 2024, to 15.1 million tons. The value of exports for the past year increased by 4.3% year-on-year, to $10.2 billion.