On Monday, 5 October, the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) released its proposed final determination and recommendations regarding remedies in its anti-dumping investigation into boom lifts imported from China.
Boom lifts, commonly referred to as cherry pickers, are specialised aerial work platforms designed to elevate individuals, equipment, or materials to considerable heights. These machines are widely utilised across various sectors in the UK, including construction, maintenance, and installation tasks.
In its Statement of Essential Facts (SEF), the TRA has identified substantial evidence indicating that imports of boom lifts from China are being dumped in the UK market, resulting in injury to the domestic industry. The interim findings suggest that the implementation of an anti-dumping measure is warranted, with proposed duties reaching as high as 82.89%.
Investigation Insights and Economic Impact
This investigation commenced on 19 December 2025. Through a thorough analysis of import volumes, production costs, pricing data, and injury factors, the TRA has determined that the prices of Chinese boom lift imports are undercutting the UK market by more than 25%.
As part of its comprehensive investigative process, the TRA conducts an Economic Interest Test (EIT) to evaluate the potential economic consequences—both positive and negative—of imposing a trade remedy measure.
Following this evaluation, the TRA has concluded that implementing the anti-dumping measure aligns with the economic interests of the UK and intends to recommend this course of action to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Provisional Measures and Next Steps
Initial support for UK producers was provided on 20 August 2026, when the UK Government enacted provisional anti-dumping measures on boom lift imports from China, following a recommendation from the TRA.
Businesses that believe they may be impacted by these developments are encouraged to submit their comments via the TRA’s public file by 20 October 2026. The TRA will consider any additional evidence presented before finalising its recommendation to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
For further information regarding the investigation, interested parties can access the public file online.
The Role of the Trade Remedies Authority
The Trade Remedies Authority is the independent body in the UK tasked with investigating the necessity for new trade remedy measures to counteract unfair import practices and unexpected surges in imports.
Operating as an arm’s length entity of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the TRA plays a crucial role in maintaining fair trading practices within the UK market.
Anti-dumping duties empower a country or union to take action against imported goods sold below their normal value, which is defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market.
The period of investigation (POI) for this case spans from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, while the injury period used for assessment extends from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2025.
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