South Korean Hot-rolled Steel Plate: TRA Recommendation

On 6 June 2025, the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority initiated a dumping investigation on hot-rolled steel plate of South Korean origin. During the investigation, the TRA recommended to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade that a provisional anti-dumping measure be applied for up to six months at duties of between 11.63% and 29.12%, dependent upon the South Korean exporter. This recommendation was made on the basis that the TRA provisionally determined that two domestic producers, Spartan Steel and Tata Steel UK, have been injured by dumping of hot-rolled steel plate of South Korean origin.

While the Secretary of State recognises the TRA’s provisional findings, he has also considered wider matters in the public interest. From 1 July 2026, the Government will implement a new steel trade measure by preserving vital steel production for critical national infrastructure and defence. The application of this measure may impact the need for a provisional anti-dumping measure, and this is a point that the TRA did not consider in its recommendation, which preceded the announcement of the new steel measure.

In this context, and mindful of the impact on the wider UK-South Korea trade relationship, the Secretary of State is satisfied that, in this unique situation, it is not in the public interest to apply the provisional measure.

The Secretary of State’s decision here does not affect any future decision he may take upon receipt of the TRA’s final recommendation regarding this investigation.

The Government will publish a public notice on 9 June 2026 to give effect to this decision

[HCWS102]