The South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) drew attention to the anti-dumping tariffs announced by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) on March 20, 2026, covering structural steel imports from China and Thailand, as well as flat steel imports from China, Japan, and Taiwan. While SAISC expressed support for the measures aimed at protecting the domestic industry, it emphasized that feedback from within the sector indicates emerging challenges in the supply chain.
Market feedback suggests that steel traders and service centers have begun canceling or postponing import orders due to price and supply uncertainties, while certain locally produced products are no longer available at previous volumes. This situation is increasing the risk of supply shortages, particularly for critical steel products, and raising concerns over potential impacts on costs and delivery timelines for infrastructure projects.
SAISC recommended that the tariffs be implemented in a phased or delayed manner to allow the market to adjust and to prevent disruptions to ongoing projects. The organization also stressed that long-term sustainability cannot be achieved through trade measures alone, highlighting the importance of factors such as quality, traceability, and compliance with standards.
In this context, SAISC aims to strengthen traceability and verification mechanisms for both domestic and imported steel through a Quality Certification Program planned for launch in 2026. SAISC CEO Amanuel Gebremeskel stated, “The priority for the sector is no longer where the steel comes from, but whether it performs reliably. A balanced approach is needed to maintain adequate supply levels and ensure that infrastructure and economic projects are not disrupted.”
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