According to the statement by the Ministry of Trade, the investigation covering products classified under GTIP codes 7318.15.41, 7318.15.42, and 7318.16.30 was officially initiated on February 27, 2026.
In the notification submitted to the WTO on March 6, 2026, it was stated that interested parties may join the process and submit their views within 20 days from the date of initiation of the investigation.
The investigation was initiated by the South African Fastener Manufacturers Association (SAFMA) on behalf of its member companies CBC Fasteners, T&I Chalmers Engineering, Transvaal Pressed Nuts Bolts and Rivets, Impala Bolt and Nut, Ebenhaeser Engineering, and Tel-Screw Products. The application demonstrates that producers in the SACU region have suffered serious economic injury and that this injury would recur if the existing safeguard measures are terminated.
During the period under review (May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2026), the applicant producers reported significant declines in sales volume, profits, market share, and employment. Within the scope of the investigation, it is projected that similar injury could reoccur in the period from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028 if the safeguard measures are terminated.
South Africa will evaluate the results of the investigation to extend the duration of the safeguard measures on these products based on this data.
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