The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) recently announced the completion of its review of all trade remedy measures inherited from the European Union.
While this news might not seem immediately impactful for many UK businesses, it signals an important shift in focus, one that could have implications for companies importing goods or relying on global supply chains.
As your business plans its supply chain strategy for the year ahead, you should understand how these measures could affect your costs, suppliers, and overall competitiveness.
What has changed?
Since Brexit, the UK has been responsible for its own trade remedy measures, independent of the EU.
Over the last few years, the TRA has been reviewing the 43 measures originally carried over from the EU, covering a wide range of goods from steel products to tyres and e-bikes.
The TRA’s latest announcement confirms that this review process is now complete.
Some measures have been revoked, others amended, and many maintained.
There’s no immediate new action for businesses to take, but crucially, the TRA is switching its focus towards new cases, responding to unfair trading practices or surges in imports that could threaten UK industries.
Why does this matter for your supply chain?
The risk for importers and manufacturers is that future trade remedy cases could lead to:
- New tariffs or duties on certain imported goods (anti-dumping or countervailing duties)
- Safeguard measures to protect UK industries from sudden increases in imports
If your business sources products or raw materials from international markets, any new measures could impact:
- Cost of goods sold (via tariffs or increased duties)
- Supplier relationships, especially if certain countries or product categories are targeted
- Product pricing and margins, requiring strategic adjustments
Additionally, if your business exports goods, measures aimed at protecting domestic industries could influence the competitive landscape at home.
Planning ahead – What should businesses do?
While we cannot predict when or where the TRA will introduce new measures, there are steps businesses can take to stay prepared:
- Review your supplier base – Understand where your key materials and products originate from. Are any of them historically subject to trade remedy measures, either in the UK or globally?
- Model potential cost increases – Factor in scenarios where tariffs or duties could be introduced, and assess the impact on your margins and pricing strategy.
- Stay informed – Keep an eye on TRA announcements and ongoing investigations that may affect your sector.
- Consider supply chain diversification – Avoid over-reliance on a single country or supplier where possible, to minimise risk exposure.
How we can help
Our team is here to support you in navigating potential risks to your business.
Whether you need assistance modelling supply chain costs, restructuring your procurement strategy, or understanding the financial implications of new trade remedies, we are ready to guide you.
If you’d like to discuss how your business could be affected, or how we can assist with your financial planning, please get in touch.
Reanda UK is a subsidiary of leading independent accountancy firm Grunberg & Co Limited. Our aim is to help businesses and individuals to navigate the UK’s world-renowned business and tax infrastructure, and to support them with their international ambitions. To find out how we can help you, please contact us.