WHAT WE DO
The International Steel Trader Association (ISTA) is an organisation with several important purposes:
- Representing Members’ Interests: ISTA acts as a voice for its member companies in discussions and negotiations with national governments, the European Commission, and other regulatory bodies, including the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority. ISTA’s advocacy covers a range of issues such as anti-dumping and steel safeguard measures (including quotas) and other protectionist measures that can impact on the steel trading sector.
- ISTA serves as a central hub for gathering and sharing information relevant to its members. This can include industry updates, market trends, statistics and important news that affects the steel trading business.
- The association organises site visits and training courses for industry personnel. This helps members stay informed about the latest practices and technologies in the steel trading field.
- ISTA arranges social functions, allowing members to meet each other and entertain their customers and business contacts. ISTA’s annual lunch event in December is the pre-eminent such event in Europe, attracting over 500 members and guests.
- Full membership is available to trading companies involved in steel trading, processing and production. Associate membership is open to individuals and businesses in allied industries, such as shipping, insurance and banking.
- In summary, ISTA serves as a unifying organisation for the steel family supply chain, offering support, information, education, and advocacy to its members and promoting cooperation within the steel industry.
In recent years the Association has participated in the work of organisations which determine steel specifications, notably CARES and the British Standards Institution.
Following a return to ‘normal’ after the Covid pandemic, ISTA has again engaged in training workshops on trade practices and procedures, and there are plans afoot for the resumption of field trips to steel producers.
We are again holding our President’s Award, giving recognition to capable, generally young, traders and those providing trade support services.
Free trade
ISTA’s core function is to advocate the principle of free trade, which is central to our members’ businesses, the steel consumer and producer. With their knowledge of steel and expertise in trading and logistics, members complement mills by providing users with a choice of supply ensuring that their specific requirements are met in a timely manner and at a competitive price.
Training
Twice a year, generally in April and December, ISTA holds a well-supported training course on trade practices & procedures – Incoterms, Customs procedures, transport options, trade finance and related issues. The courses are presented by Jon Walden MBE from Crown Agents and have recently been held at the City premises of Clyde & Co.
Awards
President’s Award
ISTA hold two annual President’s Awards – to bring recognition to a noteworthy steel trader; and to an individual in our Association’s trade support sector and to their respective companies. Winners receive appropriate recognition at the Annual Lunch in December.
Merit Award
This Award is aimed at giving recognition typically to a notable member of a company’s back office team.
Policy issues
The UK customs tariffs for imported steel are a vital component of the nation’s trade regulations. ISTA will challenge the quotas where we feel that they are unfair or do not allow sufficient free trade into the UK.
If you wish to find out more about ISTA and how we can help you, please contact us at [email protected]