欧盟-英国贸易与合作协定货物贸易专门委员会第五次会议

The UK co-chair welcomed participants to the meeting. The provisional agenda as published inadvance was adopted. Both Parties made opening statements,inwhichtheynotedthe sharedambitions agreed at the UK–EU summit in May,including the commitment to the faithfulimplementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement(TCA). Item2–Review of completed obligations under the Goods heading The Partiesrecalledthe obligationunderArticle 31 of the TCA as regards the exchange ofimport databypreference.They noted that thisexchange took place on13June2025and underlinedtheimportance of this exchangeforassessingtheeffectiveuse of the TCA. Item3–Analytical summary of trade in goods Both parties delivered presentations outlining key features of importandexport flows.Theynotedthat,followingstabilisation of energy pricesandeasing ofcyclicaleconomic factors,goods tradestabilisedin 2024,with bothPartiesnoting categories where increases and declineshad beenobserved. Both Parties alsoreferred to preferenceutilisation rate (PUR)data, following theexchange ofdata inadvance of the meeting in line with Article 31 of the TCA. Analysis showed high levels of utilisationbybothParties,withsome variationacrosssectors. Both Parties agreed that it would be useful tocontinue theexchangeofinformation at a technical levelon the topic. Item4–Steel The EU presented the Steel and Metals Action Plan. The UK noted the EU’s proposed steel trade measures. The UK stressed it does not contribute to globalsteel overcapacity or undermine EU producers and called for a collective approach to addressinggenuine sources of overcapacity. The UK underlined that any future steel trade measures must respectthe TCA. The UK sought clarification on the EU’s proposed steel trade measure, particularly regardinghow the EU will manage the forward process for FTA partners. The EU noted that the proposed measures are subject to internal procedures and will follow the WTOArticle 28 process. On TCA compliance, the EU stated it has a mandate to work with FTA Partners, liketheUK,on country-specific quota apportionment and committed to ensuring transparencythroughout the process. The UK sought clarification on the EU’s provisions on “melt and pour” in their proposal. The EUexplained that the first phase would require melt and pour reporting only, with a potential secondphase enabling action on goods based on their country of meltand pour. The EU noted that thepurpose of these provisions is to assess the proportion of steel melted and poured in third countries.The EU requested further details on the UK’s steel strategy and any future trade measures. The UKresponded that it is currently considering options around trade measures following a call for evidenceand confirmed its commitment to publish the steel strategy by the end of 2025. Both parties welcomed ongoing multilateral discussions through the Global Forum on Steel ExcessCapacity to develop a foundation for a comprehensive framework for joint action to address globalsteel overcapacity. Item5–AutomotiveStrategies The EU provided an update on its automotive action plan, outlining recent measuresincludingintroducing flexibility to CO2 standards for cars and vans, establishing alliances for connected andautonomous vehicles, and signing a memorandum to accelerate research and innovation. Furtherproposals are planned for10December, includingtherevisionofCO2emissions standards andtheadoption of theBattery booster package. The UK asked for more detail on the upcoming 10 December packageand the EU’s wider plansregarding batteries and local content requirements. TheEUsaid proposals are still under consultationandfurther information to follow once published.The UK stressed the importance of measurescomplying with the TCAand the EU offeredtechnicalengagementwith the UKfollowingthe10December package. The UKpresentedits Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, which includes key commitments for theautomotive sector. The UK identified autonomous vehicles, next generation battery technology, andcybersecurity for connected vehicles as priorities for deeper cooperation, andoutlined progress onautomated vehicle legislation and battery innovation.Giventhe strategies’similarities bothPartiesagreedon the importance of technical engagement to address shared challenges. Item 6-Industrial / Trade Strategy and CompetitivenessCompass TheEUpresented the key elements of the Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal,highlighting six business drivers: affordable energy, lead markets, access to funding, materials andsecurity, circularity, global marketing partnerships, and skills. Initiatives include measures to lowerenergy costs, streamline permitting, improve access to infrastructure and finance, and supportindustrial decarbonisation and innovation, alongside sector-specific action plans for automotive, steel,metals, and chemicals. The EU alsointroduced the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform, developed to support jointpurchasing and d