UK begins review of trade barriers to steel coils, bars from five countries

The UK’s Trade Remedies Authority has begun reviews of existing antidumping and anti-subsidy measures on two steel products and an investigation on whether to suspend antidumping measures for Ukraine.

The TRA said it initiated on June 24 a transition review into antidumping measures on hot rolled flat and coiled steel from Russia, Ukraine, Brazil and Iran.

It also opened a transition review into anti-subsidy measures on imports of stainless steel bars and rods from India, it said.

The TRA said the review is needed to ensure the antidumping and anti-subsidy measures the country inherited from the EU are still suitable for the UK’s needs.

HRFC steel is used primarily in the mechanical and electrical engineering, construction and automobile sectors.

The measures on stainless steel bars and rods cover those used across various industries, including the automotive, aerospace and food processing industries. These products can be easily cut and machined and are often used to manufacture tools, machine parts and components.

The period of investigation for both transition reviews will be April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, while the injury period will be April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2022.

Suspension investigation

In addition to the initiation of the transition reviews, the TRA has opened an investigation into whether to suspend antidumping measures on HRFC from Ukraine.

“Following a request from the government of Ukraine we will investigate whether a suspension of measures on certain Ukrainian steel products is justified because of changed market conditions after the Russian invasion,” TRA CEO Oliver Griffiths said in a statement.

S&P Global Commodity Insights assessed DDP West Midlands UK hot-rolled coil at GBP800/mt ($1,080/mt) on June 24, down GBP75, or 8.5%, week on week.

— Ekaterina Bouckley