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Cherry pickers used to install spectacular Christmas lights are the focus of a new investigation amid concerns that cheap imports could endanger British jobs. There are strong worries that the equipment – formally known as boom lifts – is being sold in the UK at “artificially low prices” with foreign manufacturers potentially benefiting from “unfair subsidies”

The “anti-dumping and anti-subsidy” investigation by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) comes just weeks after boom lifts have been used across the country to install giant Christmas trees and light displays.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Whether it’s raising a Christmas tree or raising the bar for fair competition, British businesses deserve a level playing field.

“This Government has signed trade deals worth billions of pounds. But our trade strategy is not just about seeking new opportunities overseas, it’s also about defending British firms and ensuring a strong and fair trading environment back home.

“That’s why it’s crucial independent investigations like this protect UK industry and we encourage everyone to engage fully in this process.”

The TRA said in a statement: “In line with the TRA mission to defend UK economic interests and our ambition to be more agile, assertive, and accessible, we have acted swiftly to launch this investigation in response to an application from UK producers.

“With boom lifts playing a key role in festive displays across the country, we will be considering whether UK producers are facing unfair competition from imports and, if so, which measures might be required.”

The investigation will assess whether “imported goods are being sold below fair market value or benefiting from unfair Government support, which can harm UK businesses”.

The TRA is an independent body and investigations typically run for up to 12 months. If it finds proof of harm it can recommend measures – including duties – to “restore fair competition”.

The European Union has also launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of mobile cranes from China. Four European crane manufacturers have provided evidence of “material injury caused by predatory pricing and unfair advantages enjoyed by Chinese exporters”.