THE Trade Remedies Authority has launched a safeguard investigation into imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Representing the first safeguard case that the TRA has opened since it was established following Britain’s exit from the EU in 2021, is being carried out in response to an application from Alpek Polyester UK, a Redcar-based producer of polyester products.
A safeguard measure is an emergency and temporary action responding to increased imports that cause ‘serious injury’ to the importing country’s domestic industry. If imposed, it would apply to all imports globally (with some exceptions, for instance, for certain developing countries) and may require an additional duty to be paid.
The TRA will assess whether PET is being imported into the UK in such increased quantities that serious injury is being caused to the UK’s domestic production.
PET is a type of plastic that is used to produce beverage bottles, make packaging for food products, and in textiles like clothing fabrics. In 2025, total imports of PET were worth over £300 million.
Interested parties that may be affected by this investigation are encouraged to register their interest to contribute through the TRA’s online case platform (Trade Remedies Service) by 19 August 2026, to ensure that the TRA can consider all relevant data from UK industry. Upstream and downstream businesses are welcome to participate by completing a business survey: PET Business Survey.
