COLUMN: CAPTIVATE BRANDS
The impending rise of ADD tax on Chinese ceramics:
A threat to the UK market By Kevin McKay Managing Director of Captivate Brands
s the UK Government considers increasing the Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) Tax on ceramic imports from China – potentially although unlikely to match the staggering 79% enacted by the European Union in February 2026 – the implications for the ceramic industry in the UK are clear to see*. That decision by the European Union was taken to bolster local manufacturing in those European nations fortunate enough to have ceramic manufacturing capabilities. It has already had devastating effects on ceramic exporters like Captivate Brands. The impact on our export business to Europe has been catastrophic this year, and it raises serious concerns for the future of the UK ceramic market. Likewise, the Government’s intention behind any steep tax increase is to bolster local manufacturing. But this initiative overlooks a critical reality: that the UK ceramic industry has been in decline for years. The once-thriving sector has seen a significant reduction in its manufacturing base, and many iconic brands, such as Denby, have succumbed to financial pressures. It’s disheartening to witness such a legacy fade without any substantial government intervention to support local manufacturers during these turbulent times. The situation isn’t any better across the Channel. European ceramic factories, already grappling with the ADD increase implemented earlier this year, are struggling to meet local demand. Their capacity to supply the UK market is virtually non-existent. This shortage further exacerbates the challenges faced by UK importers and exporters. As we start to close the doors on the China ceramic industry, we are now left with limited options for sourcing quality ceramics. The ripple effects of these policies are felt far and wide, creating a perfect storm for the industry.
A The perfect storm of challenges
The proposed ADD tax is just one of many hurdles facing UK businesses in the ceramics sector. The fallout from COVID-19 continues to linger, while the rising employer National Insurance contributions added significant costs to our business and in recent months we’ve had escalating freight costs—exacerbated by geopolitical tensions such as the ongoing conflict in Iran which has sent energy bills soaring. Each of these factors compounds the difficulties faced by importers and exporters, making it increasingly challenging to operate profitably. To be clear, my issue is not Government supporting local manufacturing. On the contrary, I would love to be able to produce all
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June/July 2026
housewareslive.net
our ceramics in the UK and support local business, but the reality is that the ceramic manufacturing in the UK has been decimated over decades of neglect and lack of support from successive UK governments – and they should have realised that years ago.
Call for action
The potential increase in the ADD tax on ceramic imports is yet another nail in the coffin for UK businesses reliant on imported ceramics. With the decline of local manufacturing and the inability of European factories to fill the gap, it is crucial for stakeholders in the ceramic industry to voice their concerns and push for a more balanced approach that supports both local manufacturing and the viability of import businesses. I urge all UK companies which import ceramics from China to register
and have their say via the link the below!
https://www.trade-remedies.service.gov.uk/
*See TRA to review Chinese ceramic tableware and kitchenware measure
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tra-to-review-chinese-ceramic- tableware-and-kitchenware-measure
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