TRA Launches Fresh Safeguard Investigation into PET Products

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today, 5 August 2026, launched a new safeguard investigation concerning imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into the United Kingdom. This marks the first safeguard case initiated by the TRA since its establishment following the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2021.

The investigation is prompted by a request from Alpek Polyester UK, a producer located in Redcar. The TRA’s role will be to determine whether the volume of PET imports into the UK has increased to the extent that it is causing significant harm to domestic production within the country.

The Significance of PET in Industry

PET is a widely used plastic, integral to the production of beverage bottles, food packaging, and textiles such as clothing fabrics. In 2025 alone, the total value of PET imports exceeded £300 million, highlighting its importance in various sectors.

A safeguard measure serves as a temporary and emergency response to an influx of imports that threatens serious injury to the domestic industry. Should such a measure be implemented, it would be applicable to all global imports, though certain exemptions may be made for specific developing countries. The imposition of a safeguard could also necessitate the payment of an additional duty on affected imports.

Invitation for Stakeholder Participation

The TRA encourages all interested parties who may be impacted by this investigation to register their interest and contribute via the TRA’s online case platform, known as the Trade Remedies Service, by 19 August 2026. This participation will enable the TRA to consider a comprehensive array of data from the UK industry. Both upstream and downstream businesses are invited to engage by completing a business survey specifically designed for PET.

Updates regarding the progress of this case will be available on the TRA’s public file, ensuring transparency throughout the investigation process.

Understanding the Role of the TRA

The Trade Remedies Authority operates as an independent body within the UK, tasked with examining whether new trade remedy measures are necessary to address unfair import practices and unexpected surges in imports. Functioning as an arm’s length entity of the Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade, the TRA plays a crucial role in safeguarding domestic industries.

The investigation period for this current case spans from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025. Safeguard measures represent one of three categories of trade remedies, alongside anti-dumping measures—designed to counteract goods sold at below normal prices in their country of origin—and countervailing measures targeting countervailable subsidies. Additional information regarding safeguard measures and the TRA’s assessment process can be found in their investigations process guidance.