The UK Government has announced the outcome of its 2025–26 review of existing import duty suspensions, confirming that 269 suspensions will be extended until 31 December 2028.
The announcement provides welcome clarity for businesses that rely on affected imported materials, components and other manufacturing inputs, including those operating across the UK aluminium supply chain.
What has been announced?
Between 26 November 2025 and 4 February 2026, the Government consulted on whether existing duty suspensions due to expire on 31 December 2026 should be extended for a further two years.
Following consideration of the consultation responses and other available evidence, the Government has confirmed that:
- 269 duty suspensions will be extended until 31 December 2028, providing a further two years of continuity.
- 23 suspensions will expire after 31 December 2026, for technical reasons where the measures no longer have a material effect.
- 319 valid consultation responses were received on existing individual suspensions, with 318 supporting extension and just one opposing a suspension on technical grounds.
The single objection related to a product for which a broader suspension had subsequently been introduced.
What does this mean for aluminium businesses?
Duty suspensions allow eligible goods to be imported at a reduced or zero rate of customs duty for a specified period.
For aluminium businesses importing certain raw materials, semi-finished products, components or other manufacturing inputs, these arrangements can play an important role in managing costs and maintaining competitive supply chains.
The Government’s decision to extend the majority of the reviewed suspensions offers greater certainty for businesses planning procurement and import arrangements beyond the end of 2026.
However, the announcement does not mean that all aluminium products or imported materials are covered. The position will depend on the specific commodity codes and product descriptions included in the published schedules.
What should members do?
ALFED encourages members who currently benefit from duty suspensions, or who import materials and components that may qualify, to:
- Review the Government’s updated list of suspensions being extended until December 2028.
- Check whether the commodity codes relevant to their business are included.
- Identify any existing suspensions due to expire at the end of 2026 and consider the potential impact on purchasing costs.
- Raise any concerns with ALFED so that we can better understand the implications for the aluminium supply chain.
ALFED’s position
ALFED welcomes the additional certainty provided by this announcement, particularly at a time when manufacturers are managing significant energy, employment and wider operating cost pressures.
Access to competitively priced materials and components is important for UK aluminium businesses. Equally, tariff policy must recognise the importance of maintaining and developing domestic production and processing capability.
ALFED will continue engaging with Government on the need for a strategic and balanced approach to trade policy that supports both competitive supply chains and the long-term strength of UK aluminium manufacturing.
Further information
The Government has published further details of the review outcome, including the full list of suspensions being extended.
View the Government’s duty suspensions and autonomous tariff quotas guidance
If members have questions about how the announcement may affect their businesses, or would like to raise any specific tariff-related concerns, please contact the ALFED team.
