Trade Remedies
Safeguard Measures, Anti-Dumping, and Countervailing Duties
Trade remedies are measures permitted under WTO rules to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices or sudden surges in imports. The three main types are: (1) Safeguard measures — temporary tariffs or quotas applied when import surges threaten domestic industry, regardless of intent; (2) Anti-dumping duties — applied when goods are exported below their normal value; (3) Countervailing duties — applied to counter foreign government subsidies benefiting exported goods.
- WTO Agreement on Safeguards governs the use of safeguard measures (Article XIX of GATT 1994).
- Safeguards are temporary and must be progressively liberalised; they apply on a most-favoured nation (MFN) basis (cannot discriminate between trading partners).
- UK's new steel safeguard (effective July 1, 2026): reduces overall tariff-free quota volumes by 60%; imports above quotas face 50% tariff.
- WTO safeguard rules require a finding of serious injury or threat to domestic industry.
- The UK's steel sector has faced pressure from global overcapacity, particularly from Chinese and other Asian steel producers.
- FTA partners can negotiate carve-outs or enhanced quotas under bilateral agreements, but these require separate negotiation.
● Tracked since March 02, 2026 · last seen July 15, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
18 Jun '26
India secures steel market access under UK FTA; exporters to avail benefits from 15 July
Economics
11 Jun '26
India protecting industry from unfair trade practices of certain countries: Piyush Goyal
Economics
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