The new proposals come after a U-turn in the approach to the dumping of Chinese reinforcement steel in Britain. Last July, the TRA recommended that anti-dumping measures on the reinforcing steel - known as HFP Rebar - should be dropped. But earlier this month, after a lengthy reappraisal, it decided the duties should be extended after all, a move welcomed by ministers as protecting the steel industry from unfair competition. On Thursday, the government cited post-Brexit powers to protect industries from Chinese dumping of steel as one of the key areas where ministers would gain greater discretion, and the proposed changes empower them to break with TRA recommendations. Badenoch said the government would have the "flexibility to make decisions that balance the interests of UK producers, importers and consumers," adding the changes would also allow ministers "to apply an alternative remedy from that recommended by the TRA."
"This will only be where justified and in line with the evidence provided," she said. (Reporting by Alistair Smout Editing by Mark Potter)
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