Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Ensure UK trade remedies and safeguard mechanisms are accessible, timely, and proportionate for import-facing sectors.
Recommendation
The Government should ensure that UK trade remedies and bilateral safeguard mechanisms are accessible, timely and proportionate for sectors facing increased import competition as a result of the Agreement. This should include clear guidance for businesses, particularly SMEs, on how to raise concerns and trigger investigations, active monitoring of import trends in sensitive sectors, such as textiles and ceramics, once the Agreement is in force, and work to ensure that UK producers are able to compete on a more level playing field. (Recommendation, Paragraph 100)
Government Response Summary
The government will always consider whether overseas products have an unfair advantage and will use powers to protect sensitive sectors including a ‘bilateral safeguard mechanism’ and SME support.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
HM Government will always consider whether overseas products have an unfair advantage and if appropriate we are prepared to use the full range of powers at our disposal to protect our most sensitive sectors. This agreement includes a ‘bilateral safeguard mechanism’ which allows us to temporarily suspend or increase tariff concessions if an industry is suffering or facing the threat of serious injury as a result of reduced duties in the FTA. In addition, the SME chapter aims to support SMEs by addressing the challenges and non-tariff barriers they face.