On 04 March 2024, the World Trade Organization (WTO) informed that on 29 February 2024, South Africa had notified its Committee on Safeguards that on 23 February 2024 it had initiated a safeguard investigation on certain flat-rolled products of iron, non-alloy steel, or other alloy steel, classifiable in tariff subheading 7208.10, 7208.25, 7208.26, 7208.27, 7208.36, 7208.37, 7208.38, 7208.39, 7208.40, 7208.51, 7208.52, 7208.53, 7208.54, 7208.90, 7211.14, 7225.30, 7225.40, 7225.99, and 7226.99.
According to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) application which was lodged by the South African Iron & Steel Institute (SAISI) an industry body, on behalf of ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA), stated that an analysis of the import statistics and the tariff subheadings used to import the subject product indicates that importers are also using the tariff subheadings 7211.13, 7211.19, and 7226.91 as loopholes to import hot-rolled products into the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). SAISI therefore requested ITAC to include these tariff subheadings when imposing the safeguard measures.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or are threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.