The EU Commission and UK government have agreed a solution for the movement of the most sensitive categories of steel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland that are subject to tariff rate quotas). This comes as part of the changes agreed to the Northern Ireland Protocol Windsor Framework. Accordingly, Northern Ireland importers will now have access to UK-origin steel in Category 7 Quarto plate and Category 17 angles & sections without having to pay 25% tariff. UK Steel Director General Mr Gareth Stace said “The deal will make a significant difference in being able to move steel tariff-free from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, in the context of a complex interplay between the terms of the Protocol and the EU’s steel safeguard quotas. The provision of separate quotas for certain products that can be earmarked for the UK’s use for shipments into Northern Ireland create a blueprint that can be more widely applied and demonstrates a willingness to find workable solutions.”However Mr Stace added “While the new arrangement does not solve all problems in relation to trade with Northern Ireland, it marks a positive step forward, addressing the most urgent issues and creating a framework for reaching further solutions.”Northern Ireland was facing 25% tariff to access ex-UK steel since the EU quota measure system changed in June 2022, as it continued to follow EU custom rules following Brexit.
The EU Commission and UK government have agreed a solution for the movement of the most sensitive categories of steel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland that are subject to tariff rate quotas). This comes as part of the changes agreed to the Northern Ireland Protocol Windsor Framework. Accordingly, Northern Ireland importers will now have access to UK-origin steel in Category 7 Quarto plate and Category 17 angles & sections without having to pay 25% tariff. UK Steel Director General Mr Gareth Stace said “The deal will make a significant difference in being able to move steel tariff-free from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, in the context of a complex interplay between the terms of the Protocol and the EU’s steel safeguard quotas. The provision of separate quotas for certain products that can be earmarked for the UK’s use for shipments into Northern Ireland create a blueprint that can be more widely applied and demonstrates a willingness to find workable solutions.”However Mr Stace added “While the new arrangement does not solve all problems in relation to trade with Northern Ireland, it marks a positive step forward, addressing the most urgent issues and creating a framework for reaching further solutions.”Northern Ireland was facing 25% tariff to access ex-UK steel since the EU quota measure system changed in June 2022, as it continued to follow EU custom rules following Brexit.
