THE Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has recommended new measures to protect the UK’s aluminium extrusion industry from ‘dumped’ products from China.
It concluded that imports are being ‘dumped’ into the UK at ‘unfair prices’ and are causing ‘injury’ to the UK industry.
The public body has opened a consultation on plans which could see new trade remedy measures put in place on imports in the form of a tariff at the border.
It explained that aluminium extrusions are commonly used in construction and the manufacture of heavy equipment such as components for infrastructure projects, as well as being found in office infrastructure in things such as window frames, doors, and railings.
During TRA’s investigation, it found ‘clear evidence’ of price undercutting which it said indicates that UK businesses are struggling to compete with the ‘dumped’ imports. TRA has therefore recommended that a provisional measure be put on these imports while it completes its investigation.
Due to come into effect from May 28, importers will need to provide a bank guarantee to HMRC which shows they can pay the duty which they will ultimately be required to pay on imports of the goods. TRA said this will help make sure UK businesses which make similar goods don’t suffer ‘further damage’ from such imports whilst it completes its investigation.
TRA chief executive, Oliver Griffiths, said, “Our interim report concludes that Chinese exports of aluminium extrusions are being dumped in the UK market at lower prices than they are being sold in China. The secretary of state has agreed that provisional measures should be put in place while we finish the investigation. The measures will protect UK manufacturers of products used in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, building and construction, transport and car manufacture.”
