Aluminium: Manufacturing Industries
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help protect the aluminium industry through free trade agreements.
Answered by Chris Bryant
We have taken decisive action to support the UK aluminium industry through recent trade agreements that reduce barriers and enhance market access. For example, in May, the UK concluded a landmark economic deal with the US, which included an agreement to remove the 25% tariff on steel and aluminium - restoring rates to Most Favoured Nation (MFN) levels. We continue to work closely with the US to ensure the deal is implemented as soon as possible. In the meantime, the UK remains the first country in the world to benefit from a 25% tariff rate that is half the 50% global rate.
Where domestic producers believe they are at risk of being injured by unfair foreign trade practices, such as dumping or subsidisation, they should directly engage the Trade Remedies Authority. I welcome the fact that the TRA has been in discussion with UK aluminium producers over a potential trade remedies investigation.
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