South Africa hits China, Thailand steel imports with duties
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South Africa has imposed steep import duties on structural steel from China and Thailand after its trade watchdog found evidence of dumping. A government notice dated March 19 said Chinese structural steel will face a tariff of 74.98%, while similar products from Thailand will be hit with a 20.32% duty.
The duties follow provisional anti-dumping measures introduced in 2024, when South Africa applied tariffs of 52.81% on Chinese steel and 9.12% on Thai imports. The latest decision covers structural steel mainly used in construction and was approved by the country’s trade minister.
The International Trade Administration Commission said its investigation found that steel products originating in or imported from China and Thailand were being sold in the SACU market at dumped prices, causing material injury to domestic producers. Neither Chinese nor Thai embassy officials immediately commented on the decision.
South Africa’s steel industry has been under pressure from weak local demand and heavy import competition, especially from China. Companies such as ArcelorMittal South Africa have shut some mills as the sector struggles, while imports account for about 36% of total steel consumption and China makes up 73% of that imported volume.
