Transparency data

Fifth meeting of the Trade Specialised Committee on Goods on 6 November 2025: Minutes

Updated 21 April 2026

Minutes of the Fifth Trade Specialised Committee on Goods, 6 November 2025

The UK co-chair welcomed participants to the meeting. The provisional agenda as published in advance was adopted. Both Parties made opening statements, in which they noted the shared ambitions agreed at the UK – EU summit in May, including the commitment to the faithful implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

Item 2 – Review of completed obligations under the Goods heading

The Parties recalled the obligation under Article 31 of the TCA as regards the exchange of import data by preference. They noted that this exchange took place on 13 June 2025 and underlined the importance of this exchange for assessing the effective use of the TCA.

Item 3 – Analytical summary of trade in goods

Both parties delivered presentations outlining key features of import and export flows. They noted that, following stabilisation of energy prices and easing of cyclical economic factors, goods trade stabilised in 2024, with both Parties noting categories where increases and declines had been observed.

Both Parties also referred to preference utilisation rate (PUR) data, following the exchange of data in advance of the meeting in line with Article 31 of the TCA. Analysis showed high levels of utilisation by both Parties, with some variation across sectors. Both Parties agreed that it would be useful to continue the exchange of information at a technical level on the topic.

Item 4 – 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 global steel overcapacity or undermine EU producers and called for a collective approach to addressing genuine sources of overcapacity. The UK underlined that any future steel trade measures must respect the TCA. The UK sought clarification on the EU’s proposed steel trade measure, particularly regarding how 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 WTO Article 28 process. On TCA compliance, the EU stated it has a mandate to work with FTA Partners, like the UK, on country-specific quota apportionment and committed to ensuring transparency throughout the process.

The UK sought clarification on the EU’s provisions on “melt and pour” in their proposal. The EU explained that the first phase would require melt and pour reporting only, with a potential second phase enabling action on goods based on their country of melt and pour. The EU noted that the purpose 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 UK responded that it is currently considering options around trade measures following a call for evidence and 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 Excess Capacity to develop a foundation for a comprehensive framework for joint action to address global steel overcapacity.

Item 5 – Automotive Strategies

The EU provided an update on its automotive action plan, outlining recent measures including introducing flexibility to CO2 standards for cars and vans, establishing alliances for connected and autonomous vehicles, and signing a memorandum to accelerate research and innovation. Further proposals are planned for 10 December, including the revision of CO2 emissions standards and the adoption of the Battery booster package.

The UK asked for more detail on the upcoming 10 December package and the EU’s wider plans regarding batteries and local content requirements. The EU said proposals are still under consultation and further information to follow once published. The UK stressed the importance of measures complying with the TCA and the EU offered technical engagement with the UK following the 10 December package.

The UK presented its Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, which includes key commitments for the automotive sector. The UK identified autonomous vehicles, next generation battery technology, and cybersecurity for connected vehicles as priorities for deeper cooperation, and outlined progress on automated vehicle legislation and battery innovation. Given the strategies’ similarities both Parties agreed on the importance of technical engagement to address shared challenges.

Item 6 - Industrial / Trade Strategy and Competitiveness Compass

The EU presented the key elements of the Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal, highlighting six business drivers: affordable energy, lead markets, access to funding, materials and security, circularity, global marketing partnerships, and skills. Initiatives include measures to lower energy costs, streamline permitting, improve access to infrastructure and finance, and support industrial decarbonisation and innovation, alongside sector-specific action plans for automotive, steel, metals, and chemicals.

The EU also introduced the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform, developed to support joint purchasing and diversification of strategic commodities such as natural gas, hydrogen, and critical raw materials. Within the Platform, the Raw Materials Mechanism will   aggregate demand, connect project promoters with potential off-takers and financial partner, and carry out stockpiling-related activities.  The mechanism aims to strengthen critical raw material value chains in the EU and partner countries by promoting diversification and project development.

The UK outlined its trade strategy, emphasising the need to manage global trade risks and strengthen supply chain resilience, while maintaining commitment to an open, rules-based trading system. The UK reported ongoing work to review global tariffs, expand and upgrade free trade agreements, simplify trade arrangements, and address non-tariff barriers through initiatives such as digital trade corridors and regulatory partnerships.

The UK also described its modern industrial strategy—a ten-year plan targeting sustainable growth across priority sectors like clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The UK highlighted interventions to boost economic security and resilience, including establishing an Economic Security Advisory Service, a new Supply Chain Centre, and development of a critical minerals strategy to secure long-term supply chains for green industries.

The EU asked questions on the UK’s trade remedies and trade defence plans. The UK noted policy development is ongoing and explained the approach is intended to strengthen the UK’s trade defences toolkit to respond to unfair trade practices including to make the trade remedies system more agile, assertive and accessible. The EU expressed interest on the UK global tariff; the UK explained that no final decisions have been made on future changes though noted that since leaving the EU’s common external tariff, the UK approach has generally been to simplify and reduce tariffs.

Both parties observed that the priorities outlined in the UK’s trade and industrial  strategies and the EU’s competitiveness compass show similarities particularly around resilience, economic security, and supply chain diversification.

Item 7 – Export Controls

The EU provided an update on its regulatory framework, noting the recent adoption of a delegated regulation updating the dual-use export control list. This update brings the EU’s controls in line with decisions from multilateral export control regimes, and introduces new controls on items such as quantum technology, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and related materials.

The UK presented its latest developments outlining its approach to updating national control lists and ensuring alignment with international non-proliferation regimes. The UK emphasised its commitment to effective enforcement, transparency, and cooperation with partners.

The UK reiterated its readiness to deepen cooperation with the EU on export controls. The EU took note and indicated it would consult its stakeholders. Both Parties acknowledged the similarities in their overarching policy objectives in this domain.

Item 8 – AOB and Closing Remarks

The meeting concluded with both Parties reflecting on the productivity and breadth of the discussion. The co-chairs acknowledged the importance of faithful implementation of bilateral agreements and highlighted the mutual reliance and resilience that underpin UK-EU trade relations, especially in the context of shared external shocks and global challenges.

Key actions identified for follow-up include possible technical engagement on export controls, further dialogue on steel, and technical engagement on automotive sector plans .

Participation list

UK Delegation

• UK Co-chair of the Trade Specialised Committee on Goods
• UK Government Officials from CO, DBT, FCDO, and HMT
• UK Government Officials from the UK Mission to the European Union
• Scottish Government Officials
• Northern Ireland Executive Officials
• Welsh Government Officials
• Jersey Government Officials

EU delegation

• EU Co-chair of the Trade Specialised Committee on Goods
• European Commission Officials (TRADE, TAXUD, SecGen, GROW)
• EU Officials from Delegation of the European Union to the UK
• Representatives of EU Member States

Agenda for the Fifth Meeting of the UK - EU Trade Specialised Committee on Goods

London and via video-conference 6 November

10.00 – 14.30 (GMT)

	Agenda Item
1	Opening remarks and adoption of the agenda
2	Review of completed obligations under the Goods heading and Actions from the previous TSC on Goods
3	Analytical summary of trade in goods
4	Steel
5	Automotives Strategies
6	Industrial / Trade Strategy and Competitiveness Compass
7	Export Controls
8	AOB and closing remarks