The UK boom lift industry, vital for installing iconic holiday decorations across city centers, is currently under scrutiny as it faces potential challenges from international competition.
As families enjoy festive displays supported by these specialized machines, British manufacturers are dealing with pressures from imported boom lifts that may be entering the market at unfairly low prices or benefiting from improper subsidies.
Investigation into Import Practices
On December 19, the UK's Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) launched investigations into the practices surrounding these imports. The focus is on determining whether these boom lifts are priced below fair market value or if they are receiving unjust subsidies.
This move aims to ensure the UK boom lift industry remains competitive and its economic contributions are protected.
Government Support for Fair Competition
Peter Kyle emphasized the government's dedication to maintaining a fair business landscape
Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, emphasized the government's dedication to maintaining a fair business landscape. He stated, “Whether it's raising a Christmas tree or raising the bar for fair competition, British businesses deserve a level playing field.” He highlighted that, alongside international trade deals, there is a strong focus on defending domestic industries through measures like this investigation.
UK TRA Co-Chief Executives Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez also voiced their commitment to safeguarding the industry saying, “With boom lifts playing a key role in festive displays across the country, we will be considering whether UK producers are facing unfair competition from imports and, if so, which measures might be required.”
Commitment to Protecting UK Industries
The TRA aims to determine if the imports in question are harming local businesses by assessing potentially unfair trading conditions. These investigations form part of the UK government's broader strategy to secure an equitable trade environment which supports domestic manufacturing.
Although the process is still in its early stages and will take time to reach a conclusion, it underscores a vigilant approach to protecting British trade interests against unfair practices.
As families gather to admire towering Christmas trees and sparkling lights across UK city centers, few realize the specialist equipment behind these festive displays. Boom lifts — often called cherry pickers — are essential for installing decorations that bring seasonal cheer to millions.
The UK boom lift industry supports hundreds of jobs and contributes millions to the economy, supplying the equipment that makes these celebrations possible. But British manufacturers face growing pressure from imports that could be being sold at artificially low prices or benefit from unfair subsidies.
Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation
To protect UK businesses, the Trade Remedies Authority has launched an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into imported boom lifts on 19 December.
Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “Whether it’s raising a Christmas tree or raising the bar for fair competition, British businesses deserve a level playing field."
“This Government has signed trade deals worth billions of pounds. But our Trade Strategy is not just about seeking new opportunities overseas, it’s also about defending British firms and ensuring a strong and fair trading environment back home. That’s why it’s crucial independent investigations like this protect UK industry and we encourage everyone to engage fully in this process.”
UK economic interests
The TRA’s Co-Chief Executives Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez said: “In line with the TRA mission to defend UK economic interests and our ambition to be more agile, assertive, and accessible, we have acted swiftly to launch this investigation in response to an application from UK producers."
“With boom lifts playing a key role in festive displays across the country, we will be considering whether UK producers are facing unfair competition from imports and, if so, which measures might be required.”
Unfair trading practices
Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations assess whether imported goods are being sold below fair market value or benefiting from unfair government support, which can harm UK businesses.
While the case is at an early stage and will take time to conclude, it reflects the government’s wider commitment to backing British business and protecting domestic manufacturing from unfair trading practices. This aligns with the UK’s Trade Strategy to ensure fair competition and support the domestic industry.
