UK Deal on Section 232 Tariffs Announced

Phil Black - PII Editor 05/04/2022

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Commenting on the announcement that the UK Government has secured a deal to allow UK steelmakers tariff-free access to the US market, UK Steel Director General Gareth Stace said:

“This deal represents a hugely positive outcome and is warmly welcomed by the UK steel sector. We must congratulate Anne-Marie Trevelyan on her efforts and success in swiftly agreeing a deal with the US that will greatly benefit the sector. The United States represents a key export market for UK producers but since the introduction of Section 232 tariffs by the previous administration, steelmakers across the UK have been selling into the United States at a huge disadvantage.

“The tireless work of the Trade Secretary and her department has resulted in a strong deal for the UK which removes long-standing export barriers and opens up access to this important market once more. Without this agreement UK producers would have remained at a significant competitive disadvantage in US markets to competitors in the EU and Japan, with their exports severely curtailed. From June, UK steel producers will benefit from tariff-free access to customers across the US – from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

“Establishing our position as an independent trading nation does not happen overnight, but the UK has taken a bold and important step forward here demonstrating its ability to negotiate strongly on behalf of British industry. This decision is the culmination of months of dedicated work that will now benefit communities across the country. Once again, I would like to thank and congratulate the Government on behalf of the entire steel sector for its success in these negotiations.”