Minister for Trade )Sir ): On 6 June 2025, the UK's
Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) initiated a dumping investigation
on hot rolled steel plate of South Korean origin. During the
investigation, the TRA recommended to the Secretary of State for
Business and Trade that a provisional anti-dumping measure be
applied for up to six months at duties of between 11.63 - 29.12%,
dependent upon the South Korean exporter. This recommendation was
made on the basis that the TRA provisionally determined that two
domestic producers, Spartan Steel and Tata Steel UK have been
injured by dumping of hot rolled steel plate of South Korean
origin.
Whilst the Secretary of State recognises the TRA's provisional
findings, he has also considered wider matters in the public
interest. From 1 July 2026, the Government will implement a new
steel trade measure by preserving vital steel production for
critical national infrastructure and defence. The application of
this measure may impact the need for a provisional anti-dumping
measure, and this is a point that the TRA did not consider in its
recommendation which preceded the announcement of the new steel
measure.
In this context, and mindful of the impact on the wider UK-South
Korea trade relationship, the Secretary of State is satisfied
that in this unique situation, it is not in the public interest
to apply the provisional measure.
The Secretary of State's decision here does not affect any future
decision he may take upon receipt of the TRA's final
recommendation regarding this investigation.
The Government will publish a public notice on 9 June 2026 to
give effect to this decision.
