India Flags UK Steel Safeguard Measures At WTO

New Delhi, May 22 (KNN) India has formally flagged its concerns over the United Kingdom's new steel safeguard measures at a key meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, as the restrictions threaten to cast a shadow over the recently concluded India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Broad Coalition of Concerns at the WTO

India raised its objections during the WTO's Council for Trade in Goods meeting held on May 20–21 in Geneva, PTI reported, citing an official.

The council oversees the implementation of all WTO agreements relating to trade in goods, including tariffs, import rules, subsidies, anti-dumping measures, and customs valuation. 

India was joined in its concerns by Brazil, Türkiye, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, and South Korea — the latter two having initiated the discussions, a Geneva-based official said, according to PTI.

What the UK Measures Entail

With effect from July 1, 2026, the UK will significantly tighten its steel import regime, reducing the overall tariff-free quota available under existing safeguard measures by 60 per cent. 

Steel imports above the revised quota levels will attract a steep 50 per cent tariff. The measures apply to steel products that can also be domestically produced within the UK.

The UK has defended the action as a legitimate industrial protection measure against global overcapacity and steel security concerns, noting that without intervention, Britain was on course to become the first G7 nation to lose primary steelmaking capability. It has also stated its intention to engage fully with affected trading partners.

Stakes for India

The measures carry material significance for India. Exports of iron, steel, and related products to the UK stood at USD 893.4 million in 2025–26, representing a substantial share of India's total merchandise exports to the UK of USD 13.4 billion during the same period.

Shadow Over India-UK CETA

The dispute has emerged as a notable point of friction in the operationalisation of the India-UK CETA, which was signed on July 24, 2025. 

The steel safeguard issue is now seen as a potential sticking point in the smooth implementation of the bilateral trade agreement, even as both countries seek to deepen economic ties.

(KNN Bureau)