Industry players in the UK steel sector have welcomed the recently reinstated European country-specific quotas for countries including the UK, Kallanish learns.
The European Commission reinstated country-specific quotas for steel angles, shapes and sections (category 17) for the UK, Türkiye and South Korea from 1 August.
The UK can now export up to 27,000 tonnes of steel to the EU each quarter. The UK government says in a press release that the move “delivers on a UK-EU Summit commitment and reinforces the government’s Plan for Change to rebuild Britain’s industrial strength” and stimulate exports and employment.
“This is yet another positive step forward for the UK steel sector and a clear example of our Plan for Change in action — removing barriers, supporting jobs, and backing British industry. Restoring our steel quota helps give producers the certainty they need to compete, grow and maintain vital export relationships,” comments secretary of state for business and trade, Jonathan Reynolds.
“The restored quota will re-establish historic trade flows between the UK and the EU, easing the administrative and financial burdens that have affected steel exporters,” Reynolds adds. “It will provide much-needed certainty for UK steel operating in an increasingly volatile global market.”
British Steel welcomes the announcement, with Lisa Coulson, interim chief commercial officer, describing the removal of EU tariffs on British-made steel as a “significant boost” to the business.
“The EU is an important market to us, particularly for the products our highly skilled colleagues manufacture in Scunthorpe, Teesside and Skinningrove. We are delighted we will be able to provide the high-quality products our loyal and supportive EU customers require tariff-free and thank the UK government for delivering this agreement,” she says.
Gareth Stace, director-general of UK Steel says: “The restoration of the country-specific quota is excellent news for UK steel companies which have been plagued by problems shipping category 17 products into the European Union. The quota will restore historic trade flows and is good news for both UK steelmakers and their EU customers.”
Carrie Bone UK
