The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has closed its investigation into imports of creamy/white limestone from Portugal. The authority found no evidence that the goods benefited from a countervailable subsidy.
The investigation began in January 2026 after a UK producer claimed that the Portuguese government was subsidising the manufacture of the limestone, causing injury to the UK's domestic industry. The application referred to four alleged subsidy programmes, including grants and non-refundable financing.
The TRA assessed the programmes but was unable to establish all the elements required to deem a subsidy countervailable. While some programmes and projects did receive subsidies and some recipients gained a financial advantage, this did not meet the World Trade Organization rules for a countervailable subsidy in relation to the goods concerned.
Creamy/white limestone is a natural stone product used in high-end architectural projects, heritage restorations, and premium commercial builds.