The recent decision by the European Union (EU) to lift anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese truck tyres has prompted the UK to review its own policy on the matter. However, it is not yet clear how the EU’s decision will affect the UK, as the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) did not annul its own original tariffs when the ECJ’s ruling was made, citing that it was not legally applicable in the UK.
Despite this, the TRA has expressed its intention to conduct an independent review of its policy and may not necessarily follow the EU’s lead. Although the TRA typically takes more than a year to complete its inquiries, it is expected to make a decision within the next six months, with October as the target timeframe. It is anticipated that current tariff rates will remain in place during this time.
This decision by the UK’s TRA is expected to have significant implications for Chinese truck tyre imports to the UK. Whether the UK will align its policy with that of the EU or pursue an independent approach remains to be seen, but the outcome of the review will be closely monitored by those with an interest in international trade regulation.