The International Trade Committee today publishes the
Government’s response to its report on UK trade
remedies policy.
Trade remedies protect domestic industry against unfair trade
practices or unexpected surges in imports. Following the UK’s
decision to leave the EU, the Government will establish the Trade
Remedies Authority (TRA) on 1 June 2021, which will investigate
trade remedies cases.
While the Government has requested the TRA respond to some of the
Report’s recommendations, it has clarified a number of issues:
- The classification of goods moving into Northern Ireland
under the NI Protocol and the extent to which they will fall
within the remit of EU trade remedies.
- An explanation on the purpose of changing the status of trade
unions from 'interested parties' to 'contributors' for trade
remedies purposes.
- An explanation of the rationale for the Secretary of State’s
differing powers between anti-dumping/anti-subsidy measures and
safeguarding measures.
The Committee has also written to the
Department for International Trade requesting further information
on the Government’s plans to expand the powers of the Secretary
of State.
This follows evidence heard by the
Committee last week, in which the Secretary of State stated
her intention to “strengthen” her trade remedies powers in an
attempt to improve the Government’s trade “toolkit”.
The Committee has requested a timeline for the review of these
powers, information on whether this will impact legislation, and
an outline of the anticipated impact this shift of powers will
have on the role of the TRA.
Commenting on the Government response, , International Trade Committee Chair,
said:
“Trade remedies are instrumental in protecting businesses from
unfair trading practices. Our Report outlined how the Government
could continue to strengthen its trade remedies regime and ensure
that securing a trade remedy is as frictionless as possible.
“We welcome the Government’s engagement with our inquiry and look
forward to the receiving a response from the Trade Remedies
Authority in the coming months”.
- ENDS -
Further information:
UK Trade Remedies Policy
- The Committee took evidence for its inquiry on ‘UK trade
remedies policy’ between October 2020 and January 2021.
- You can read the press release and the Committee’s Report
here.
