Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the imposition of widespread trade tariffs by the United States of America, they will now establish a dedicated unit to research and promote import substitution in the United Kingdom.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We are disappointed by these tariffs and aware of the significant impact they may have on UK industry and consumers. The UK is keeping all options open in response and will not hesitate to act in national interest. We are seeking the views of UK businesses as part of a wider request for input on potential tariff response options. Officials continue to work closely with the Trade Remedies Authority to assess the possible trade diversion impact from these US measures. We will continue to engage and support domestic industries and consumers on this matter.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to protect the United Kingdom from potential ‘dumping’ by countries adversely affected by the imposition of trade tariffs by the United States of America.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
In preparation for any US tariffs, departmental officials were assessing the potential impacts of trade diversion on UK industry. The extent of US tariffs became clear on 3 April. Officials continue to work closely with the Trade Remedies Authority to assess the possible trade diversion impacts from these US measures. Where imports are being dumped into the UK, causing injury to UK producers, either UK industry or the Secretary of State can apply to the Trade Remedies Authority for an anti-dumping investigation. This government will not hesitate to act to protect UK industry should we need to do so.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States of America following the unilateral imposition of tariffs on the United Kingdom.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both the UK and the US, but nothing is off the table and the government will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. Should our negotiations not be successful, we have a range of tools at our disposal. As such, on 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform our response to US tariffs. Once the Request for Input closes, the Government will reflect on the feedback and consider how best to respond.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the trade implications for the United Kingdom by the imposition of differential tariffs between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We will always act in the best interests of businesses across the UK. As the Prime Minister said on 2 April, we will look closely at the details of any retaliatory tariffs, if they are announced by the EU, and any impact these might have on businesses. Where goods moving to Northern Ireland do not enter the EU, businesses can claim a full reimbursement of any EU duties paid. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade spoke to the Northern Ireland Executive on 3 April, and we are committed to working together in the interests of everybody in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with Harland and Wolff on their refinancing plans; and what is the current status of their Export Development Guarantee application.
Answered by Lord Offord of Garvel - Shadow Minister (Energy Security and Net Zero)
I am unable to comment on ongoing transactions for reasons of commercial sensitivity.