U.S. Commerce Department to Hold Virtual Talks with UK on Tariffs

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The U.S. Commerce Department announced its intentions to hold virtual talks with UK on tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imported from that country. This was announced by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, though details of the plans were not disclosed.

The spokesperson of U.S. Commerce Department said that the officials are not in a position to travel to London to hold in-person consultations, due to the present pandemic conditions. It must be noted that the Britain’s trade minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan had extended an invitation to U.S. officials to have the negotiations held at London.

The U.S. has reached an agreement with the EU bloc countries after negotiations that extended for almost six months. The two sides had agreed on a quota agreement that gives definite advantage to producers in those countries over UK steel producers. The UK too has been demanding on early settlement of tariff issues. It must be noted that the imports of UK steel attracts tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum.

Reacting to the announcement, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister said that it is quite understandable that the Secretary could not commit to international travel, especially at a time when the Omicron variant of coronavirus is spreading at a fast pace. However, urgent talks are needed, he noted.

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