AIC welcomes removal of US maize import tariffs to secure UK feed supplies
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) welcomes the Government’s announcement that from 1st June, it will remove the 25% import tariff on maize imported to the UK from the United States.
Ed Barker, Head of Policy at AIC, says, “Since the start of the war in Ukraine, AIC has been clear that the UK Government must be prepared to take quick action to facilitate the continued supply of inputs to UK agriculture, such as animal feed. This includes addressing barriers to trade with the EU or the rest of the world.
“AIC has been pressing Government to review the 25% import tariff on US maize since the end of 2021. The decision to lift it will help to mitigate the now limited maize exports coming from Ukraine and Russia and will improve the ability of the agri-supply chain to maintain a continued supply of animal feed to UK farmers. This will be welcomed by AIC Members and UK livestock farmers.
“However, there will continue to be challenges arising from the war in Ukraine that will have negative impacts on the wider agri-supply chain. Government must work closely with the agri-supply industry to find appropriate resolutions. No policy or legislative responses should be considered off the table.”
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Notes to Editors
27% of the UK’s maize imports come from Ukraine.
The 25% import tariff on US maize was part of a group of import tariffs applied on US goods in retaliation for ‘Section 232’ tariffs imposed by the USA to UK exports of steel and aluminium in 2018 under then President Donald Trump. Since the tariff was applied, no maize has been imported to the UK from the USA.
Since 1st January 2022 the EU has removed the 25% tariff on imported maize from USA, whereas the UK chose to retain it.
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About AIC
As the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) represents businesses in key sectors within the supply chains that feed the nation.
Its Member businesses supply UK farmers and growers with the animal feed, fertiliser, seed, crop protection products, trusted advice and quality services that are essential to producing food, as well as trading crops and commodities across the globe.
Formed in October 2003 by a merger of three trade associations, today AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade and represents £17.8 billion* turnover at farmgate.
AIC works on behalf of its Members by lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, delivering information, providing trade assurance schemes, and offering technical support.
AIC Services manages a range of services, including Trade Assurance Schemes and professional registers recognised by the UK Government as essential means to underpin feed and food safety alongside fertiliser security.
These schemes and professional registers include:
- Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC)
- Feed Materials Assurance Scheme (FEMAS)
- Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS)
- European Seed Treatment Assurance (ESTA)
- Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS)
- Feed Adviser Register (FAR)
- Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
- Forage Assurance Scheme (FAA)
- AIC Services Palm Oil Credit Scheme (APOCS)
*According to a 2023 survey of AIC Members.
Press Contact
Oli Hill, Head of Communications, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
[email protected]