South Africa has introduced steep duties on imported structural steel after an investigation found evidence of dumping.
South Africa has moved to protect its domestic steel industry by imposing significant tariffs on structural steel imports from China and Thailand, following findings that the products were being sold at unfairly low prices.
According to a government notice issued on March 19, structural steel from China will face tariffs of up to 74.98%, while similar imports from Thailand will be subject to a 20.32% duty.
The decision builds on provisional anti dumping measures introduced in 2024, when authorities imposed tariffs of 52.81% on Chinese imports and 9.12% on those from Thailand as part of an ongoing probe.
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa said its investigation confirmed that steel products from both countries were entering the Southern African Customs Union market at prices below normal value or production cost, harming local producers.
The tariffs target structural steel primarily used in construction, a critical sector for infrastructure development.
Officials said South Africa’s trade minister has approved the measures, reinforcing efforts to curb the impact of cheap imports on the domestic market.
The country’s steel industry has faced mounting pressure from weak local demand and a surge in imports, particularly from China. Major producers such as Arcelor Mittal South Africa have already scaled back operations, including shutting down some mills.
Industry data from the South African Iron and Steel institute shows imports account for about 36% of South Africa’s steel consumption, with China responsible for roughly 73% of those imports.
There has been no immediate response from officials in China or Thailand regarding the new tariffs.
Goodness Anunobi
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