The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today (31 July) launched the Trade Remedies Advisory Service to provide support for UK businesses navigating trade remedies investigations.
The service will build on support previously provided by the TRA’s Pre-Application Office, simplifying how businesses can bring a case to the TRA to investigate a potential trade injury. It also aims to increase engagement with small and medium enterprises. The new service will provide a simplified application and questionnaire process that makes it quicker and less onerous for new businesses who want to bring a case to TRA. It is being launched as part of the TRA’s work to make its investigations more accessible to case participants, as part of the 2025 Trade Strategy.
TRA Chief Executives Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez said
We’re committed to ensuring that UK businesses of all sizes have the support they need to navigate trade remedies investigations effectively. The expanded Trade Remedies Advisory Service represents a significant step forward, moving to a more proactive engagement with industry throughout the entire case lifecycle. This change responds to feedback from businesses who told us they need more comprehensive guidance and ongoing support. By updating processes and expanding the specialist team, we’re committed to making it easier for companies to access support if they face unfair trading practices.
The Trade Remedies Advisory Service increases support beyond traditional pre-application guidance. Assistance is now available from initial enquiries through to final determinations, with dedicated specialists for producers, importers and SMEs addressing sector-specific challenges.
Three strategic areas define the service’s enhanced capabilities
- Clear guidance through webinars, factsheets and interactive workshops targeting diverse industry sectors.
- Enhanced data monitoring to identify emerging trade concerns and industries requiring additional support.
- Streamlined application procedures, interactive guidance tools and dedicated industry support.
Feedback from industry stakeholders made it clear that ongoing support throughout a case’s lifecycle is vital, and this has directly influenced the redesign of the service. The expanded Trade Remedies Advisory Service team now includes additional specialists who recognise the needs of different interested parties, particularly SMEs. Regular drop-in sessions and process guidance workshops will also help stakeholders submit high-quality responses while freeing case teams to focus on core investigative functions.
A spokesperson from a UK producer who has been involved in a TRA investigation said
Today’s announcement is a much-needed step to ensure every business, especially our small and medium-sized enterprises, can grow and prosper. We understand, first-hand, how daunting a TRA investigation can appear , and the enhanced function will be instrumental in guiding businesses through the process to ensure their voice is heard. We also welcome their commitment to using data to identify industries at risk and potentially requiring trade measures. This will be essential if we are to safeguard British businesses from unfair international trading practices in the future.
This change represents a strategic shift from reactive assistance to proactive engagement with industries involved in trade remedies investigations, helping the TRA support businesses in adjusting to the current turbulent global trading picture.
Any UK producer that believes they are being harmed by unfair overseas trading practices can contact the TRA for guidance and support. The TRA’s Trade Remedies Advisory Service can be contacted on contact@traderemedies.gov.uk.
Background information
- As an independent body operating at arm’s length from the Department for Business & Trade, the TRA is guided in its work by its principles of proportionality, impartiality, transparency, and efficiency.
- The TRA welcomes applications for trade remedies investigations from any business operating in the UK. Read our online guidance to find out more about how to apply and what information to provide.
- The TRA’s Trade Remedies Advisory Service can be contacted on contact@traderemedies.gov.uk. Previously known as the Pre-Application Office, it will provide support not only at the pre-application stage, but throughout the life of the case to interested parties who have questions about the TRA investigation process.
