“Following the publication of SAISC’s initial industry perspective on 8 April 2026, the institute continues to engage actively with stakeholders across the steel value chain to monitor developments and represent the interests of the industry. Recent media coverage has contributed to broader awareness of the potential implications of anti-dumping tariffs on steel supply, project delivery and overall market stability,” SAISC have said in an updated statement.

“These discussions are consistent with the early feedback highlighted in SAISC’s initial communication where it noted the recent implementation of anti-dumping tariff measures on structural steel imports from China and Thailand, as well as flat rolled steel imports from China, Japan and Taiwan, as published by The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) on 20 March 2026.”

SAISC’s initial communication
SAISC said: “These developments highlight the increasing pressure on the South African steel sector and the importance of maintaining a fair and sustainable operating environment across the steel value chain.”

“SAISC remains supportive of the intent behind these interventions, namely to protect and strengthen local industry capability and ensure fair participation in global trade. The role of ITAC and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) in enabling a balanced and rules-based trade environment is both necessary and valued.”

“However, it is important to highlight a developing concern from within the industry. Recent market feedback indicates that steel merchants and service centres are beginning to cancel or delay import orders in response to the sudden implementation of tariffs, particularly where pricing and supply certainty have been materially affected. At the same time, certain locally produced product lines are no longer available at previous volumes following changes in domestic manufacturing capacity. This creates a potential supply gap in the market.”

“If not carefully managed, the current tariff structure may inadvertently contribute to shortages of critical steel products, particularly in sizes and specifications not readily available locally. This has direct implications for project delivery, cost stability, and the broader competitiveness of South African construction and export markets.”

“In this context, SAISC recommends that consideration be given to a phased or delayed implementation of these tariff measures, allowing the market to adjust without disrupting ongoing projects or supply commitments.”

“Imposing tariffs on steel products that are not readily available from local manufacturers risks increasing the cost of infrastructure projects, delaying delivery timelines, and reducing the competitiveness of South African exports. This outcome would be contrary to the intended objective of supporting a stable and competitive local steel industry.”

“Much of the industry conversation has centred on protectionism versus free trade. The reality, however, is more nuanced. At its core, this moment reflects a deeper challenge – how to ensure a steel industry that is not only competitive, but credible, consistent, and trusted across the value chain.”

“Steel plays a fundamental role in the built environment. Its performance is structural, long-term, and often irreversible once installed. This places a responsibility on all stakeholders to ensure that materials entering the market meet the required standards, specifications, and performance expectations.”

“In parallel with these market dynamics, questions of quality, compliance, and material integrity have become increasingly prominent, particularly as supply patterns shift and alternative sources enter the market.”

“Tariffs alone are not the solution. They form part of a broader system attempting to address imbalances in global trade and local industry pressures. Long-term industry resilience will depend on more fundamental principles.”

SAISC’s Quality Certification Programme
“This is where industry-led mechanisms become critical. SAISC’s Quality Certification Programme, scheduled for launch in 2026, is being developed to strengthen confidence in both locally produced and imported steel. The programme will support traceability, verification, and compliance across the steel value chain, while providing engineers and project stakeholders with greater assurance when specifying materials.”

“A measured approach to tariff implementation would allow sufficient time for such mechanisms to take hold, ensuring that quality – not only price – becomes a defining factor in procurement decisions.”

“South Africa’s steel industry must remain globally connected, while ensuring that the materials used locally meet the expectations of performance, safety, and durability required by the built environment.”

“At SAISC, our role remains to support this outcome. Through technical guidance, industry engagement, and the continued development of quality-focused initiatives, we aim to contribute to a steel sector that is not only competitive but respected for its integrity and performance. As the industry evolves, the focus should remain clear. Not simply where steel comes from – but whether it can be trusted to perform.”

Developments since initial publication
“Since the announcement of the tariff measures, ITAC has continued its formal review process, incorporating further submissions from industry stakeholders. Additional engagement has taken place across industry bodies, including STEASA and SEIFSA, with a view to consolidating input and providing coordinated feedback.”

“The regulatory environment therefore remains active, with outcomes still progressing through formal channels.”

Market response and implications for supply continuity
“Feedback from across the industry indicates that import programmes have, in some cases, been delayed or reconsidered. Certain orders have reportedly been cancelled due to increased cost pressures and uncertainty, while the availability of specific long product sizes remains constrained.”

“These dynamics are particularly significant in instances where products are not currently manufactured locally, resulting in continued reliance on imports during a transitional phase. Such developments have also been reflected in recent media coverage, reinforcing the importance of a measured and coordinated industry response.”

Technical insight into the evolving rebate framework
“Further clarity on the rebate process has been obtained through engagement with STEASA and industry stakeholders. Existing rebate provisions apply to certain long products, including I sections and H sections, under defined conditions relating to product dimensions and manufacturing processes. These provisions are generally applicable where products are not available within the SACU market and are subject to administrative approval.”

“In addition, initial rebate recommendations arising from ITAC’s preliminary report have been submitted for ministerial consideration. A second round of submissions has been initiated to expand coverage to additional product categories and tariff codes not previously included. The rebate framework is therefore not static, but continues to evolve in response to industry input and regulatory review.”

SAISC intervention through an emergency rebate proposal
“In response to these developments, SAISC submitted a formal motivation for an emergency rebates process. The submission outlines that structural changes in local production have created temporary supply gaps, and that import channels have played a critical role in maintaining continuity across infrastructure, mining and export-related projects. The introduction of tariffs has introduced additional cost and uncertainty into this environment, with the potential to exacerbate short-term supply constraints if not addressed.”

“SAISC has therefore proposed a fast-tracked rebate process applicable to both landed material and near-term imports. This proposal includes a defined six-month transitional period, subject to review in line with anticipated developments in local production capacity. The proposal is positioned as a targeted and temporary intervention aimed at stabilising the market during a defined period of adjustment.”

A balanced and coordinated approach to implementation
“SAISC’s position remains consistent. While support for local industry development is essential, it must be balanced with the need to ensure supply continuity across the value chain, stability in project delivery and effective cost management for infrastructure and export markets.”

“The effectiveness of tariff measures is therefore closely linked to the manner in which they are implemented, and the extent to which they are aligned with operational realities within the industry.”

SAISC have listed further points in their statement and in conclusion it says it remains actively engaged with regulators and industry stakeholders.”

For further details visit:
https://www.saisc.co.za/industry-focus/industry-perspective-on-recent-steel-tariff-measures/