The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has received what is known as a strategic steer from the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, in which he calls on the TRA to make the UK’s trade defence system simpler and faster for producers and manufacturers. British businesses will, he said, benefit from streamlined investigations and more support from the TRA.
In line with the strategic steer, TRA has launched a new Import Monitoring Tool to help identify risks for UK producers. This tool will help the TRA work more closely with UK industry and Government to identify where trade remedy measures might be needed to counteract unfair trading practices.
The steer focuses on a trade remedies system that supports growth, strengthens competitiveness and helps businesses thrive in global markets, in keeping with the Government’s Trade Strategy.
The Government will introduce new powers and bring UK trade remedies in line with international peers, with greater discretion to impose higher duties under certain circumstances and to initiate cases under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.
While producers will still need to apply to the TRA and provide evidence, this process will be made far easier. Consistent support throughout a case will then significantly reduce the administrative burden on businesses.
Mr Kyle said:“We are strengthening the UK’s system for tackling unfair trade to give our producers and manufacturers — especially SMEs who have less capacity and capability — the backing they need to grow and compete.”
The TRA intends to publish its next corporate plan in Spring 2026, with more detail on how it will respond to the Trade Secretary’s directions while further enhancing its accountability.
Welcoming the steer, Co-Chief Executives, Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez, said: “Further to our work to date, including the recently launched Trade Remedies Advisory Service and the Import Trends Monitor, we will continue to focus on delivering more efficiently and effectively on our mission to defend the UK economic interests against unfair international trade practices.”
