Amended duties announced for imports of HGVs, bioethanol and clothing. But FTA calls for complete abolition of tariffs on new trucks, as government releases new 12-month regime for if Britain leaves the EU without a withdrawal deal.
The UK government has released an updated 12-month temporary tariff regime that would apply if Britain leaves the EU without a withdrawal deal, including amended tariffs to imports of HGVs, bioethanol and clothing.
Following the initial announcement of a temporary tariff regime in March, the government held further discussions with industry and consumer groups. “Having listened carefully to their feedback, we will make three specific amendments affecting HGVs, bioethanol and clothing”, the government said adding:
“These are to: lower tariffs on HGVs entering the UK market, striking a better balance between the needs of British producers and the SMEs that make up the UK haulage industry, ensuring that crucial fleet replacement programmes that help to lower carbon emissions can continue; adjust tariffs on bioethanol to retain support for UK producers, as the supply of this fuel is important to critical national infrastructure; and apply tariffs to additional clothing products to ensure the preferential access to the UK market currently available to developing countries – compared to other countries – is maintained”.
It continued: “These three specific amendments to the tariff rates published in March will enable UK supply chains to continue to operate smoothly and keep prices down for consumers and ensure that we are fully prepared to leave the EU on 31 October, whatever the circumstances.”
The UK government claimed that under the temporary tariff, 88% of total imports to the UK by value would be eligible for tariff free access, adding: “The government would closely monitor the effects of the temporary tariff regime on the UK economy.”
It added: “Today we are also announcing an exceptional review process, which will come into force on exit day, to make changes to the temporary tariff regime if necessary. Businesses and consumers will be able to provide feedback on the impact of the temporary tariff regime to the government through an online feedback form. The government will then review the evidence and consider whether any changes need to be made.”
It claimed that the temporary tariff regime “provides a balanced approach on tariffs for both consumers and producers.
British businesses would not pay tariffs on imports into the UK for the majority of goods if we leave the EU without an agreement”, adding: “This will mean lower prices in shops for consumers and the opportunity to source the best goods from around the world. For example, honey from New Zealand will see its tariff fall from 17% to zero, grapes from Brazil will reduce from around 15% to zero and other products, such as tennis rackets and wines will no longer face a tariff.
“The regime would apply for up to 12 months while a full consultation on a permanent approach to tariffs is undertaken from January, as part of work to develop the UK’s independent trade policy. All businesses, interest groups and consumers will be able to share their views about the permanent tariff regime with the government through this process.”
Trade Policy Minister Conor Burns said: “The UK will be leaving the EU on 31 October and we are working with businesses to ensure the UK is ready to trade from day one. Our temporary tariff regime will support the UK economy as a whole, helping British businesses to trade and opening up opportunities for business to import the best goods from around the world at the best prices for British consumers.
“The UK is a free trading nation and British business is in a strong position to compete in an open, free-trading environment.”
In response, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) called for complete abolition of tariffs on new trucks. It said a reduction in the proposed tariff from 25% to 10% “is in the right direction, but FTA has called for the abolition of tariffs on trucks”.
FTA deputy CEO James Hookham said: “We are pleased to see our calls to remove the very high proposed tariffs have been listened to; but this move is not enough. There should be no additional financial penalty on buying new vehicles.
“At a time when vehicle operators are under massive pressure to use newer cleaner vehicles. Operators need incentives to replace trucks quicker not penalties to hinder their purchase.
“This is a tax on quality – new trucks are the cleanest and safest ever and the government wants to increase their price by 3 times the rate of inflation. Ministers need to join the dots on their strategies to improve air quality in towns and cities and the costs they are imposing on truck operators because of Brexit.
“A 10% price increase on new trucks will hinder the logistics industry contribution to environmental savings. Scrap the tariff completely is our message to government.”
Further information on the updated temporary Brexit tariff regime can be found here
Source: Lloyd’s
