On 25 July 2025, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) issued yet another notice regarding an investigation into the possible implementation of a safeguard duty against the increased imports of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600mm or more, clad, plated or coated, with aluminium-zinc alloys, of a thickness of 0.45mm or more and flat rolled products of non-alloy or other alloy steel, of a width of 600mm or more, otherwise plated or coated with zinc, of a thickness of 0.45mm or more (“corrosion resistant thick steel coil”).

The alleged “injury” suffered, as basis of the application for the safeguard duty, relates to information submitted by the applicant, ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA). Although ITAC calls this an ‘investigation’, based on its past actions, NEASA expects that ITAC will, despite the investigation being ongoing, implement a so-called preliminary duty on these products prior to the completion of the investigation.

This is ITAC’s latest style of implementing duties. It publishes a notice of investigation and without concluding same, they implement preliminary duties, which then turn into permanent duties, said NEASA.

Notice of an initiation of the investigation for remedial action in the form of a safeguard measure against the increased imports of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (“the Commission”) decided to proceed with an investigation for remedial action in the form of a safeguard measure against the increased imports of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600mm or more, clad, plated or coated, with aluminium-zinc alloys, of a thickness of 0.45mm or more, classifiable in tariff subheadings 7210.61.40 and 7210.61.90 and flat-rolled products of non-alloy or other alloy steel, of a width of 600mm or more, otherwise plated or coated with zinc, of a thickness of 0.45mm or more, classifiable in tariff subheadings 7210.49.40, 7210.49.50, 7210.49.90, 7225.92.45, 7225.92.55 and 7225.92.90.

Based on the information submitted, the Commission decided that the Applicant submitted prima facie evidence to indicate that the events cited can be regarded as unforeseen developments and these unforeseen developments and the effect of the obligations incurred under the GATT 1994 led to the increased volume of imports in absolute and relative terms, the surge in the volume of imports is recent, sharp, significant, and sudden enough, the SACU industry is experiencing serious injury and this is causally linked to the surge in imports.

The applicant
The application is brought by ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (“AMSA or “the Applicant”), being the major producer of the subject product in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The application is supported by SAFAL, a manufacturer of the subject product. A non-confidential version of the application is available for inspection at the Commission’s offices.

Allegation of serious injury and causal link
The period of investigation for data evaluation for the purposes of determining the allegation of serious injury is from 01 December 2021 to 30 November 2024. Furthermore, this application contains information with regard to increased quantities of imports and the related serious injury for the surge period, being (01 December 2021 – 30 November 2022) to (01 December 2022 – 30 November 2023).

The deadline for submissions is no later than 20 days after 25 July 2025. Should you have any contact Busman Makakola, email bmakakola@itac.org.za or Emmanuel Manamela, email emanamela@itac.org.za.