The UK resumes duty-free exports of certain steel products to the EU

From August 1 this year, UK steelmakers will once again have duty-free access to the EU market for key steel products as part of a reset in relations. This is according to a statement from the British government.

They will be able to export 27,000 tons of category 17 metal products, including angles and steel profiles, to the EU on a quarterly basis without paying additional duties. The European Commission’s decision reinstated the UK’s country-specific quota (CSQ) in this category.

At a bilateral summit in May this year, the UK agreed to a significant reset of defense and trade ties with the bloc since Brexit. The parties agreed to restore quotas on British steel to historic levels after they were reduced in March.

Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds said the tariff removal was another positive step forward for the country’s steel sector, following government intervention to save jobs at British Steel and an agreement with the US to reduce tariffs on British steel.

“The restoration of the country specific quota is excellent news for UK steel companies which have been plagued by problems shipping category 17 products into the European Union,” said UK Steel CEO Gareth Stace.

It is noted that later this year, the government will publish a comprehensive strategy for the development of the steel sector to support its long-term competitiveness and sustainable development.

A series of recent measures taken by the British authorities as part of the Industry Change Plan includes £500 million in state support for greener steel production in Port Talbot, actions to reduce electricity costs, and stricter procurement rules. These steps are complemented by enhanced trade defense measures.

At the end of June this year, the UK launched a consultation campaign on future trade defense measures for steel. The six-week call for proposals complements the government’s further actions to help the industry in the face of global challenges. The consultations will take place against the backdrop of the launch of the country’s trade and industrial strategies.