Amanuel Gebremeskel | CEO | Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) | mail me |
We have acknowledged the recent implementation of anti-dumping tariff measures on selected steel imports. The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) published these measures on 20 March 2026.
While we support the intention behind these measures, the organisation has also raised concerns about unintended consequences emerging within the market. More specifically, the steel tariffs risk creating disruptions that could affect supply chains, pricing and project delivery.
Supply disruptions and growing market pressure
Industry feedback indicates that steel merchants and service centres are already cancelling or delaying import orders. They are responding directly to the sudden tariff implementation. At the same time, certain locally produced steel products are no longer available in the previous volumes.
This creates a real risk of supply shortages in the market, particularly in specialised sizes and specifications not readily available locally. If these measures are not managed carefully, they may increase project costs, delay infrastructure delivery and reduce the competitiveness of South African exports. These outcomes would contradict the original goal of supporting a stable and competitive local steel industry. We have therefore recommended a phased or delayed implementation of the tariffs.
This approach would allow the market to adjust gradually without disrupting supply chains or ongoing infrastructure projects. In addition, it could reduce the broader steel tariffs risk currently facing the sector.
This is not simply a trade issue. It is also a supply chain and industry sustainability issue. A balanced approach is necessary. Local industry still requires support, but the market must also remain adequately supplied with the materials needed for infrastructure and economic development.
– Keitumetse Moumakoe, CEO of Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (STEASA)
Quality, compliance and long-term sustainability
Beyond supply concerns, we emphasise that the long-term sustainability of the steel industry depends on more than trade measures alone. The organisation believes quality, traceability and compliance will become increasingly important as supply patterns continue shifting.
Quality, traceability and compliance across the value chain are becoming more critical as supply patterns change. To address these challenges, we plan to launch our Quality Certification Programme in 2026.
The initiative aims to strengthen confidence in both locally produced and imported steel products. Furthermore, the programme seeks to reduce the steel tariffs risk by improving transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
The programme is designed to support verification, traceability and responsible specification across the value chain. It will ensure that quality becomes a defining factor in procurement decisions, rather than price alone.
The industry requires a measured and balanced approach. Such an approach should support local manufacturing while also ensuring that the market remains supplied with quality, fit-for-purpose steel. Without careful planning, the steel tariffs risk could undermine infrastructure delivery, market stability and long-term industry sustainability.
