The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned that a ten per cent tariff on new trucks sold there will stall economic recovery after the Coronavirus crisis.

The British Government has announced its new UK Global Tariff (UKGT) which will impose levies on imports from 1 January 2021.

But RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said that the levies will make it harder for firms to invest in new, cleaner vehicles to move the goods that will drive economic recovery.

“The Government says it’s confident of securing a free trade agreement with the EU but if it fails to do so this truck tariff will be a crippling blow for hauliers – putting £10k on the price of a new lorry.

“At a time when they are struggling with coronavirus, clean air zones and Direct Vision Standard during a likely recession this is another very unwelcome cost for our industry.

The UKGT replaces EU’s Common External Tariff on 1 January 2021 at the end of the transition period.

Government announcement – UKGT

Changes from EU Common External Tariff:

Rigid Lorries – EU Common Tariff 22%,  UKGT 10%

Tractor Units for Articulated Lorries – EU Common Tariff 16%,  UKGT 10%

Trailers – EU Common Tariff 2.7%,  UKGT 0%

Note that all lorries supplied from the EU attract zero tariff until the end of the transition period.

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran