The revised agreement between the UK and the European Union over post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland has been welcomed by UK Steel.
Commenting on yesterday’s announcement that separate quotas have been agreed for UK origin steel moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, UK Steel's director general, Gareth Stace, said that the deal 'will make a significant difference' in terms of being able to move steel tariff-free from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
“The provision of separate quotas for certain products that can be earmarked for the UK’s use for shipments into Northern Ireland creates a blueprint that can be more widely applied and demonstrates a willingness to find workable solutions."
Gareth Stace, director-general, UK Steel.
“The provision of separate quotas for certain products that can be earmarked for the UK’s use for shipments into Northern Ireland creates a blueprint that can be more widely applied and demonstrates a willingness to find workable solutions. The UK Government must be applauded for achieving this deal which will benefit the steel sector right across the UK.
“The previous arrangement had meant that the UK was dependent on whether countries like Turkey were using up the EU’s quotas to determine whether steel could be moved within the UK tariff-free. This was clearly illogical and we are hugely pleased that a sensible solution has been agreed in what until recently appeared as a stalemate.
“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.”