UK lifts safeguard measures on imports of cold-rolled steel products

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has accepted the final recommendation of the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) to lift safeguard measures on imports of cold-rolled flat products (category 2), which will no longer be subject to quotas. This is stated in the message of the British government.

The TRA began reviewing safeguard measures on cold-rolled steel in November 2024 at the request of Tata Steel UK. The latter cited a long-term change in circumstances since their introduction. Tata Steel UK is the only active local producer of this category of steel, so it was argued that the lifting of the safeguard measure is unlikely to cause serious damage to the UK market.

The investigation covered the period from January 1 to October 21, 2024. The products subject to the investigation are classified under the following codes: 2091500, 72091690, 72091790, 72091891, 72092500, 72092690, 72092790, 72092890, 72099020, 72099080, 72112320, 72112330, 72112380, 72112900, 72119020, 72119080, 72255020, 72255080, 72262000, and 72269200.

As noted, stakeholders in the course of the investigation could comment on the proposed recommendation, and it was supported. Continued application of this safeguard measure, in particular, could lead to higher prices for downstream consumers.

The anti-dumping measures against imports of cold-rolled flat products from Russia and China remain in force.

Cold-rolled flat products are used in the production of parts for the automotive industry and household appliances, as well as other goods.

In the summer of 2024, British traders proposed to exclude cold-rolled coils from safeguard measures, as Tata Steel will not produce these products for sale in the country. As part of its decarbonization efforts, the company will only produce cold-rolled coils for the needs of its galvanizing lines.