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A Review of 1999 UK Steel: Adding Value in Britain

The UK Steel Year in Review

January

• 1998 crude steel production falls to 17.3 million tonnes.
• Peter Siddall appointed President UK Steel Association.
• UK Steel protests at Environment Agency increase in charges for carrying out its regulatory activities.
• EU opens investigation into dumped hot rolled coil.

February

• UK stainless wire producers win anti-dumping and anti-subsidy cases.
• Steel Export mission to Brazil.

March

• Chancellor of the Exchequer announces intention to introduce Climate Change Levy (CCL) in 2001.
• Proposals for a steel industry competitiveness initiative discussed and agreed at a consultative seminar.

April

• Steel imports into UK start to show a decline on 1998.
• Meeting with Yorkshire Forward, following formation of RDAs.
• Council of Ministers agrees principles for post 2002 funding for steel R & D.
• New NVQs in metal processing and team working launched.

May

• Customs and Excise issue illustrative figures as to how the CCL might work (UK Steel submits response to the final consultation).
• DTI announces that Review of Electricity Trading arrangements will be underpinned by legislation.
• Tyco emerges as a major force in steel tube sector following acquisitions.
• EU opens investigation into dumped plate.

June

• Executive Committee presents UK steel industry views to Commission in Brussels.
• US steel quota bill defeated in Senate.

July

• UK Steel commissions Business Strategies for a report into the impact of the CCL on the UK economy.
• Electricity pool prices reach peak of £122 per MWh.
• Steel Export Forum seminar on Central and Eastern Europe.

August

• US Steel Action programme offers $1 billion loan guarantees to US steel companies (potentially against WTO rules).

September

• UK Steel Association Conference.
• Introduction of a next generation steel industry modern apprentice framework and new industry graduate development scheme.

October

• Formation of Corus Group.
• New gas trading arrangements come into force.
• Major restructuring announced in the wire sector.
• Steel Demand Forecasting Group meets (including CBI, SMMT, DTI and HM Treasury) and forecasts modest upturn.

November

• Chancellor announces significant reductions in CCL rates.
• WTO Panel overturns US countervailing duties on UK leaded bars.

December

• UK Steel AGM and Forum.
• Deadline for completion of CCL negotiated agreement.

© UK Steel Association, 1999
email: webmaster@uksteel.org.uk
Last updated: 9th December 1999