PRESS RELEASE: Ceramics sector says Government announcement on UK Global Tariff is welcome but there are some serious concerns

Laura Cohen, chief executive of the British Ceramic Confederation said, “We are relieved that Government has listened to and acted on some of our concerns. 

“Our members have told us time and time again they want current import tariffs maintained for all ceramic products they make in the UK.

“It is therefore pleasing to see government has retained a handful of current import tariffs at the current level, such as on bricks and some tableware. However, they have reduced the vast majority of the import tariffs on many products our members make. Unfortunately, this includes nearly all products with anti-dumping measures in place, including tiles and most of the tableware codes. Government has also cut tariffs to zero on some refractory and many technical ceramic products.

Dr Cohen added, “This has been a challenging period for our members, who have been trying to keep employees safe while product demand has often collapsed. Some of our members, as a result of this announcement, will be operating in the face of fiercer competition from overseas from next year at the time they are needed to boost Britain’s recovery.

“Zero or reduced import tariffs act as a ‘double whammy’ flooding our market with cheap imports while our manufacturers continue to pay export tariffs to many markets. Moreover, they weaken our hand doing trade deals.

“Our manufacturers, often making specialist and unique products, are a key part of very many complex supply chains including construction, healthcare, food and drink, aerospace, automotive and process industries. Their factories are at the heart of many British towns and communities. It is vital government looks after these valued businesses and jobs at this very challenging time because economic conditions have changed so much since the consultation was first launched because of coronavirus.” 

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For further information or interviews please contact: 

Laura Cohen, Chief Executive

British Ceramic Confederation, Federation House, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2SA

 M: 07827 358613, E-mail:  laurac@ceramfed.co.uk l www.ceramfed.co.uk

Notes to editors

The British Ceramic Confederation is the trade association for the UK ceramic manufacturing industry, representing the common and collective interests of all sectors of the industry. Its member companies cover the full spectrum of ceramic manufacturing, including the supply of materials, and comprise over 90% of the industry’s manufacturing capacity.