South Africa (SA) has introduced steep import duties on structural steel from China and Thailand, in a move aimed at protecting local manufacturers from unfair competition.
The new tariffs, which go as high as 75% on Chinese imports and 20% on Thai products, follow an investigation by the International Trade Administration Commission of SA. The probe found evidence of dumping, where foreign producers sell goods below their normal value or cost to gain market share.
The duties, approved by the trade minister, apply to structural steel widely used in the construction sector. Authorities say the imports were entering the Southern African Customs Union at prices below market levels, causing material harm to domestic producers.
The decision builds on provisional tariffs introduced in 2024, when China and Thailand faced duties of 52.81%t and 9.12% respectively.
Officials say the latest measures are intended to restore fair competition and support the local steel industry.
–Reuters/ChannelAfrica–
