South <a href="https://absafricatv.com/communications-program-strengthens-storytelling-in-africa/” title=”Communications program strengthens storytelling in Africa”>Africa launches safeguard investigation into cold-rolled flat steel imports
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has initiated a safeguard investigation into imports of cold-rolled flat steel products into the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market following an increase in import volumes.
The investigation covers cold-rolled coils, sheets, cut-to-length products and narrow strip made of iron, non-alloy steel and other alloy steel, excluding stainless steel.
The application was submitted by ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA), the sole producer of the product concerned within the SACU region. ITAC stated that the preliminary evidence submitted in the application indicates that the increase in imports resulted from unforeseen developments, that the domestic industry has suffered serious injury, and that there is a causal link between the increased imports and the alleged injury. Accordingly, the commission decided to initiate a formal safeguard investigation.
Global overcapacity and trade measures cited as key factors
According to the application, the global steel market continues to face excess supply, weak demand and ongoing investments in cold-rolled steel production capacity, while trade measures imposed by major economies have diverted global trade flows toward more open markets. As a result, the SACU market is reportedly facing growing pressure from imports.
AMSA also claimed that import volumes increased suddenly and significantly during the investigation period, with particularly sharp growth recorded between 2023 and 2024, and that the upward trend continued in 2025.
Declines in sales, market share and profitability alleged
ITAC determined the data examination period for the investigation as 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025. According to the application, rising imports have caused significant declines in sales volume, market share and profitability within the SACU industry, resulting in serious injury to the domestic producer. Following its preliminary assessment, the commission stated that it had found sufficient initial evidence of a causal relationship between the increase in imports and the alleged serious injury.
The investigation will be conducted in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Safeguards and South Africa’s relevant trade legislation. Interested parties have been given 20 days from the date of publication of the notice to submit comments and information regarding the initiation of the investigation.
The investigation covers cold-rolled flat steel products made of iron, non-alloy steel and other alloy steel, excluding stainless steel, classified under tariff subheadings 7209.15, 7209.16, 7209.17, 7209.18, 7209.25, 7209.26, 7209.27, 7209.29, 7211.23, 7211.29, 7211.90 and 7225.50.
