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Former UK Negotiator Calls EU Steel Tariffs Illegal

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sir Crawford Falconer, the former UK trade negotiator, says the EU's tariffs on British steel are illegal and breach the post-Brexit free trade deal.
Falconer argues the move lacks legal justification and accuses the EU of hypocrisy.
The measures would replace expiring safeguards and could severely impact UK steel exporters, which rely on the EU for nearly 80% of Britain's steel.
The EU claims the tariffs comply with World Trade Organization rules.

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Story summary

Sir Crawford Falconer, the former UK trade negotiator, says the EU's tariffs on British steel are illegal and breach the post-Brexit free trade deal.
Falconer argues the move lacks legal justification and accuses the EU of hypocrisy.
The measures would replace expiring safeguards and could severely impact UK steel exporters, which rely on the EU for nearly 80% of Britain's steel.
The EU claims the tariffs comply with World Trade Organization rules.