South Africa has officially strengthened its trade protections by imposing final anti-dumping duties on structural steel imports from China and Thailand.
The move is aimed at stabilizing the domestic steel sector after a period of intense pressure from low-cost foreign products, according to South Africa's International Trade Committee. The decision follows a comprehensive investigation by the commission, which confirmed that structural steel was being sold at dumped prices, causing significant financial harm to local producers.
The measures target key construction products
The new duties are significantly higher than the provisional rates introduced at the end of 2024 and will be in effect for the next five years. Imports of structural steel from China now attract a duty rate of 74.98 percent, a sharp increase from the previous 52.81 percent. Meanwhile, structural steel coming from Thailand now attracts a duty of 20.32%, more than double the original rate of 9.12%. These measures specifically target structural steel, which serves as an important backbone for buildings, bridges, mining operations and rail infrastructure across the country. The products in question are listed under tariff subheadings 7216.31, 7216.32, 7216.33 and 7216.40.
Local producers seek help amid import surge
The intervention serves as a vital lifeline for domestic producers, according to local media reports
