Trade Remedies Authority imposes anti-dumping duties on boom lifts from China

The UK Government has imposed a provisional anti-dumping measure on imports of boom lifts from China to help protect British producers, following a recommendation by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA).

The measure came into effect on 20 August. 

The TRA is the UK body that investigates whether trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports.

One of these measures is anti-dumping duties. These duties allow the UK to act against goods which are being sold at less than their normal value – this is defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market.

Boom lifts – also known as cherry pickers – helps in repairing, maintaining and upgrading football stadiums, and is also used for fixing lighting, filming and broadcasting games.

The TRA found that UK manufacturers face growing pressure from imports being sold at artificially low prices. 

Following an application by a UK boom lift producer based in Milton Keynes, the TRA launched an anti-dumping investigation into imported boom lifts on 19 December. 

The TRA found provisional evidence that boom lifts originating from China are being dumped and have caused or are causing injury to the UK market.

The investigation also found that it is in the economic interest of the UK to apply provisional measures before the investigation has finished. 

As a result, the TRA recommended, and the UK Government agreed, that a provisional measure should be imposed on imports of the goods from Chinese producers.

TRA chief executives Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez said: “In line with the TRA’s mission to defend UK economic interests and our ambition to be more agile, assertive, and accessible, we have acted swiftly to protect UK producers from unfair trade competition. 

“Boom lifts play a key role across the country in construction of all types, including in maintaining football stadiums.” 

The TRA will continue its full investigation while these provisional measures are in place.  

Any relevant UK producers who would like to know more about the options available to protect their industry from unfair trading practices, such as goods being dumped in the UK market, should contact the TRA Advisory Service on contact@traderemedies.gov.uk.

Pictured from left to right: Trade Remedies Authority chief executives Carmen Suarez and Jessica Blakely