UAE raised concerns about the irrational 25pc tariff on imports of steel and 10pc on aluminium into the US during a policy dialogue with US officials. The two countries look to expand bilateral trade and explore new investments and commercial opportunities during this annual meet.
The UAE and the US trade representatives held the seventh Economic Policy Dialogue through video conference on June 18, wherein UAE expressed its displeasure on 25pc tariff on steel and a 10pc tariff on aluminium imports imposed in 2018. UAE has on several occasions sought exemption from these tariffs.
UAE is the third-largest exporter of aluminium to the US. The state-owned Emirates Global Aluminium is a major exporter of primary aluminium and value-added products. UAE’s primary aluminium and alloys exports to the US in Q1 2020 (January to March) was down 69pc at 45,400mt from 145,000mt a year ago.
Emirates Steel, UAE’s top steel maker with an integrated steel plant exports 20pc of its production to around 40 countries. The company exports annual approximately 600,000mt of steel sections to the US. Emirates Steel has an installed capacity to produce 3.5mn mt steel annually.