Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether she has plans to negotiate the removal of US tariffs on UK steel and aluminium.
Answered by Penny Mordaunt
My Rt. Hon Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade has spoken with the US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, most recently on 12 November, to press for a quick resolution to the Section 232 tariffs. The removal of additional US tariffs on steel and aluminium is a key priority for the Government. We are engaging with the US Administration regularly on this issue and continue to push for the start of negotiations and the removal of 232 tariffs as soon as possible.
Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent discussions she has had with her US counterparts on removing US tariffs on UK steel and aluminium.
Answered by Penny Mordaunt
My Rt. Hon Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade has spoken with the US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, most recently on 12 November, to press for a quick resolution to the Section 232 tariffs. The removal of additional US tariffs on steel and aluminium is a key priority for the Government. We are engaging with the US Administration regularly on this issue and continue to push for the start of negotiations and the removal of 232 tariffs as soon as possible.
Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent discussions she has had with her counterpart in the Israeli government on a UK-Israel free trade deal.
Answered by Ranil Jayawardena
The United Kingdom-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement was signed on 18th February 2019. This Agreement will enter into force at the end of the Transition Period on 1st January 2021 and will allow businesses to trade as freely as they do now, without additional tariffs or barriers.
Total trade between the United Kingdom and Israel increased by 15 per cent in 2019 to £5.1bn. We value this trade relationship and are committed to strengthening it, so we will seek to work with counterparts in the new Israeli government to host a bilateral trade and investment summit in London.
Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps she is taking to promote Yorkshire and Lincolnshire based businesses and produce in international markets.
Answered by Graham Stuart
Businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have access to Department for International Trade (DIT) support through International Trade Advisers, HM Trade Commissioners and their teams overseas, the GREAT digital export services hub and UK Export Finance. Our trade missions, including those centred on trade shows and exhibitions, have enabled them to showcase their products overseas and connect with live opportunities. In response to COVID-19, we are adapting our support, for example through webinars and ‘virtual’ trade missions. Additional funding this year will enhance our support through more trade advisers, new overseas regional champions, a new export growth programme and other activities delivered with regional partners.
Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support UK steel exports.
Answered by Graham Stuart
Officials within the Department for International Trade including UK Export Finance have met UK Steel and their members through the establishment of a steel export taskforce that was set up to discuss and explore how we can support UK based steel companies through international trade and the services we offer. Analysis suggests MENA, India and ASEAN are markets where demand for steel is growing strongly.