The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) of South Africa has announced the completion of a protective investigation into the import of corrosion-resistant steel coils and has recommended the introduction of final protective measures for a period of three years.
The investigation covered certain types of flat rolled steel, commonly referred to as corrosion-resistant steel coils. ITAC determined that unforeseen events contributed to the significant increase in imports of the product. The commission also found that the increase in imports had caused serious harm to the South African Customs Union (SACU) industry. Based on these findings, ITAC recommended safeguard duty levels of 52.34 percent in the first year, 37.34 percent in the second year and 22.34 percent in the third year. The measures entered into force on June 12, 2026.
The Commission also recommended the extension of rebate clause 460.15/7210.61/01.06 to allow a rebate of safeguard duties on specific products that are not produced domestically. According to ITAC, this measure is intended to ensure that industries dependent on such products are not harmed if local supplies are not available. To protect downstream industries, the Commission said it will closely monitor the pricing behavior of ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA), SAFAL Steel Pty and other producers of the products in question following the implementation of safeguard measures to prevent unjustified price increases.
Safeguard duties will apply to imports from all countries except developing countries whose individual exports represent less than three percent of total imports or whose aggregate exports represent less than nine percent of total imports. According to ITAC, the measures are intended to provide temporary relief to South African Customs Union industry to enable it to adapt to increased import competition, taking into account the interests of process industries and South Africa's international trade obligations.
The product in question is described as flat rolled iron or non-alloy steel, 600 mm wide or more, clad or coated with aluminum-zinc alloys, less than or equal to 0.45. mm according to codes 7210.61.20 and 7210.61.30, as well as flat rolled products from other alloy steels with a width of 600 mm or more, galvanized or otherwise coated with zinc, with a thickness of less than 0.45 mm according to codes 7225.92.25 and 7225.92.35.
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