Ceramic Tableware and Kitchenware Review: What Home & Gift Businesses Need to Know

 

The Home & Gift Association is encouraging members involved in the sourcing, importing, manufacturing or retailing of ceramic tableware and kitchenware to pay close attention to a newly launched UK trade investigation that could impact costs, supply chains, and future sourcing decisions across the sector.

 

On 20 July 2026, the UK's Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) initiated an interim review of the current anti-dumping measures applied to ceramic tableware and kitchenware imported from China. The review follows concerns that imports continue to enter the UK at significant volumes and increasingly lower prices despite existing anti-dumping duties.

 

Why is the review taking place?

 

The TRA has stated that imports of ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China increased by 22% between 2023 and 2025, while the average value of imports fell by as much as 35% between 2022 and 2025. This has raised concerns that dumping may still be occurring and that current measures may no longer be sufficiently protecting UK manufacturers.

The review will assess whether the existing anti-dumping duties, which currently range between 13% and 36%, should remain unchanged or be amended.

 

What products could be affected?

 

The scope of the review covers a wide range of ceramic tableware and kitchenware products commonly found throughout the home and gift sector, including:

 - Mugs
 - Plates
 - Bowls
 - Dinnerware collections
 - Everyday tableware products
 - Ceramic kitchen accessories

Many brands, retailers, distributors and wholesalers operating within the home and gift market may therefore be affected by any future changes to duty levels.

 

What could this mean for businesses?

 

Should the review result in increased duties, businesses importing ceramic products from China could experience:

 - Higher landed costs
 - Margin pressures
 - Changes to wholesale pricing
 - Potential retail price increases
 - Supply chain reviews and diversification strategies
 

At the same time, UK ceramic manufacturers may benefit from stronger protection against low-cost imports, helping to create a more level competitive environment.

 

Why should businesses get involved?

 

One of the most important aspects of the TRA process is that businesses affected by the outcome have an opportunity to contribute evidence and share information.

 

STATEMENT FROM LESSER AND PAVEY

“We believe this to be totally unjustified and that the current level of up to 36.1% is already far more than adequate to protect a manufacturing base in the UK that no longer exists. We have not had any significant manufacturing in the UK for more than 20 years and any remaining true manufacturers are crippled by ever increasing costs not by Chinese imports. Some manufacturers also rely heavily on imports of blankware from China.

The assertion made by the TRA that prices from China have decreased by up to 35% in recent years is we believe simply not true. Since 2024 the Chinese Government have reduced the tax rebates on exports from 13% down to 9% and the as of April 1st 2026 down to 0%. This has been passed onto their customers everywhere in the world.

In addition Chinese manufacturers have been faced with increases in electricity, gas, raw materials and wages which have resulted in price increases.

Any further increases in duty will result in significant price rises that could lead to job losses across the supply chain and at retail could at worst double current retail prices. We would therefore urge anyone involved in this sector to register and present a strong argument against this proposed measures.” - Julan Hunt, Lesser & Pavey

 

Importers, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and other affected parties can register with the investigation and ensure their views are considered as part of the review process. By registering, businesses can:

Receive official updates from the TRA
Access investigation documentation
Respond to questionnaires
Submit evidence
Have their experiences and concerns taken into account during the review process
The TRA has provided registration forms for importers, exporters, producers and other interested parties through its public investigation file.

 

The Home & Gift Association will be closely monitoring developments

As the trade body representing the UK's home and gift sector, The Home & Gift Association will be registering its interest in the review and maintaining close contact with relevant industry stakeholders throughout the investigation.

We recognise that any changes to anti-dumping measures could have significant implications for our members, particularly those sourcing ceramics from overseas markets

We therefore encourage all members with an interest in ceramic tableware and kitchenware to consider registering with the investigation directly and to engage with the process.

Throughout the review, The Home & Gift Association will:

 - Share important updates from the TRA
 - Highlight consultation deadlines
 - Circulate surveys and requests for evidence where relevant
 - Gather member feedback
 - Represent the interests of the wider home and gift community wherever possible

The review is expected to continue over the coming months, and we encourage members to stay engaged as further information becomes available.