The Trade Remedies Authority, the UK’s independent trade remedies body, has opened an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of creamy/white limestone from Portugal. The case follows an application from a UK producer alleging subsidised competition and injury to the domestic industry, according to the TRA’s initiation notice.
The product concerned is a natural stone used in high‑end architectural projects, heritage restorations and premium commercial builds. The application cites 14 subsidy programmes said to be provided by Portuguese authorities, including grants, non‑refundable finance and funded payments that have reportedly supported investment in more efficient machinery and export competitiveness.
Under the UK regime in the Taxation (Cross‑border Trade) Act 2018 and in line with WTO rules, the TRA will assess whether the alleged subsidies are specific and confer a benefit, whether subsidised imports have caused material injury to UK producers, and whether any remedies would satisfy the UK economic interest test.
The TRA has set the period of investigation from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, with an injury assessment covering 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025. Evidence submitted by parties should align to these windows unless otherwise requested by the authority.
Businesses that may be affected-including UK producers, importers, Portuguese producers and exporters, trade associations and downstream users-are invited to register on the TRA public file and respond to questionnaires. Registration enables access to case documents and allows filings in confidential and non‑confidential versions with meaningful public summaries.
If subsidisation, injury and causation are established and the economic interest test is met, the TRA may recommend countervailing duties to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Provisional duties can be proposed during the investigation where justified, while definitive measures typically apply for up to five years and may be reviewed.
For procurement teams in construction and heritage restoration, the case introduces pricing risk on Portuguese creamy/white limestone. Importers and contractors should review origin declarations, delivery terms and price‑adjustment clauses to manage potential duty costs on shipments entering the UK during any provisional or definitive measure.
Portuguese exporters are encouraged to cooperate fully, as verified data can support company‑specific rates. Non‑cooperation may lead to residual rates based on facts available. Where participation is high, the TRA may sample parties, so timely registration increases the likelihood of inclusion in any examined group.
Precise product scope is pivotal. Only goods falling within the description and any tariff codes defined by the TRA will be covered. Parties seeking exclusions or clarifications should raise them early with technical evidence on physical characteristics, end uses and interchangeability.
Typical next steps include registration, questionnaires and possible sampling, verification of data, a statement of essential facts and a final recommendation. Parties should monitor the public file for deadlines; late or unsupported submissions risk being discounted or replaced with facts available.
The TRA reiterates that confidentiality claims must be substantiated and paired with a non‑confidential version fit for public scrutiny. Stakeholders should retain supporting data on volumes, prices, profitability and project pipelines aligned to the 2022–2025 injury period.
Stakeholders with exposure to creamy/white limestone-architects, developers, stone distributors and major contractors-should monitor the timetable closely and consider contingency sourcing or contractual adjustments depending on the investigation’s progress.