Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
日本語
According to information from the Vietnamese Mission in Geneva, on 5 January 2026, the United Kingdom officially notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the final conclusions of its review of the tariff rate quota (TRQ) applied to rebar products originating in Vietnam.
Overview of the United Kingdom’s safeguard review
On 10 November 2025, the United Kingdom’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) initiated a safeguard review after recording a significant increase in the volume of rebar imports from Vietnam.
By 31 December 2025, the TRA issued its review conclusions covering several steel product categories subject to safeguard measures. The product under review in this case was rebar (steel reinforcing bars), classified under Category 13, HS codes 7214.20.00 and 7214.99.10, imported from Vietnam. The investigation period was defined as from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.
Review conclusions and implications for Vietnam
According to the TRA’s findings, during the review period, Vietnam’s exports of rebar to the United Kingdom reached 21,184 tonnes, accounting for approximately 5.53% of the UK’s total rebar imports. This share exceeded the 3% threshold, which is considered de minimis under WTO rules for developing countries to qualify for exemption from safeguard measures.
On that basis, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade approved the TRA’s recommendation, whereby Vietnam is no longer eligible for exemption from safeguard measures with respect to rebar products (Category 13).
Accordingly, from 1 January 2026, rebar imported from Vietnam into the United Kingdom will be subject to safeguard measures. Instead of benefiting from a country-specific quota, Vietnamese products will be included in the residual quota together with other countries that do not have an individually allocated quota.
For the final two quarters of the safeguard period (from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026), the residual quota is set at 23,514 tonnes for Q1 2026 (1 January 2026 – 31 March 2026) and 23,774 tonnes for Q2 2026 (1 April 2026 – 30 June 2026).
Notably, the United Kingdom applies a cap of 20% of the residual quota for each exporting country. Accordingly, in each quarter, Vietnamese rebar may be imported duty-free up to a maximum of approximately 4,703–4,755 tonnes. Any imports exceeding this cap, or once the residual quota has been fully utilised, will be subject to an out-of-quota duty of 25%.
The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam recommends that the Vietnam Steel Association and domestic producers and exporters of rebar closely monitor developments and proactively adjust their export plans in line with the TRA’s decision. Under WTO rules, the United Kingdom’s safeguard measures on steel products are expected to expire at the end of June 2026.
To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Vietnam Antidumping Law Firm specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy for timely assistance.
Download the document here.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to [email protected].
ASL LAW is the top-tier Vietnam law firm for Anti-dumping & countervailing. If you need any advice, please contact us for further information or collaboration.
