The UK’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has launched an interim review into an existing measure on imports of ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China. The TRA has noted that there may be continued dumping of the goods with both increasing volumes and falling prices of imports.
The TRA said its review will “assess whether the existing measure is sufficiently offsetting the dumping of goods that is causing injury to UK industry and whether it would be appropriate to change the anti-dumping duty”.
The move has been met with caution from UK importers.
“The TRA don’t appear to consider those importers are mostly British businesses and increasing duties just causes harm to those companies and ultimately it means higher prices for consumers who are already facing challenges,” one importer has argued. “Obscenely high energy costs pose the bigger threat to those few factories that can still afford to manufacture in the UK.”
Importers affected by this can register their interest on the investigation’s public file by 4 August.
Julian Hunt, MD of home and giftware supplier Lesser & Pavey, says: “For anyone who may not already be aware the UK Government is reviewing the anti-dumping duty that is levied on ceramic tableware and kitchenware. We believe this to be totally unjustified and that the current level of up to 36.1 per cent is already far more than adequate to protect the manufacturing base in the UK. Some manufacturers also rely heavily on imports of blankware from China.
The assertion made by the TRA that prices from China have decreased by up to 35 per cent in recent years is, we believe, simply not true. Since 2024 the Chinese government have reduced the tax rebates on exports from 13 per cent down to nine per cent and then as of 1 April 2026 down to zero per cent. This has been passed onto their customers everywhere in the world.”
Julian adds: “In addition Chinese manufacturers have been faced with increases in electricity, gas, raw materials and wages which have resulted in price increases.
Any further increases in duty will result in significant price rises that could lead to job losses across the supply chain and at retail could at worst double current retail prices. We would therefore urge anyone involved in this sector to register and present a strong argument against these proposed measures.”
Gemma Sault, managing director of the Home & Gift Association, added that the review could have “far-reaching implications” for retailers, wholesalers, distributors and brand owners. She noted: “We absolutely recognise the importance of supporting a fair and competitive environment for UK manufacturers, but it is equally important that the experiences and challenges of importers, distributors, retailers and brands are fully understood as part of the conversation.”
The Home & Gift Association will register its interest in the review and is encouraging businesses involved in manufacturing, sourcing, importing or selling ceramic tableware and kitchenware to engage with the consultation to ensure the sector’s views are represented.
The TRA’s co-chief executives Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez say: “The TRA is initiating an interim review in response to evidence of continued dumping from China. The TRA’s responsiveness to the change in market circumstances is just one example of how it is meeting the Government’s strategic steer for a more accessible, assertive and agile trade remedies system.”
Businesses that may be affected by this investigation can register their interest on the investigation’s public file by 4 August 2026.
Read the official TRA announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tra-to-review-chinese-ceramic-tableware-and-kitchenware-measure