South Africa Imposes Antidumping Duties on Chinese Color-Coated Steel

South Africa imposed provisional antidumping duties on Chinese color-coated steel, effective August 28, 2026, for six months, with rates ranging from 8.79% to 28.11% depending on the exporter. The measure follows an investigation by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) into alleged unfair pricing by Chinese producers.

The South African Revenue Service has imposed provisional antidumping duties on imports of Chinese color-coated steel, effective August 28, 2026, for a six-month period. The duties, finalized by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC), target a range of steel products classified under specific customs codes, including painted, varnished, or plastic-coated flat-rolled iron and non-alloy steel. The decision stems from a 2025 investigation initiated after local producers ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd. and Safal Steel Ltd. filed petitions alleging unfair trade practices.

Provisional Duties and Company-Specific Rates

The provisional antidumping duties vary significantly by company, reflecting ITAC’s evaluation of export practices. Zhejiang Huapu Eco-Friendly Materials Co., Ltd. faces a 8.79% duty, while Hefei HBIS New Material Technology Co., Ltd. and its related producer Suzhou HBIS are assessed at 18.83%. Cooperating but unsampled exporters are charged 13.81%, and all other Chinese producers and exporters face the highest rate of 28.11%. These rates apply to products imported between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, as part of a broader review of alleged price distortions.

Domestic Industry Concerns and Import Surge

The measure comes amid concerns over the impact of Chinese imports on South African manufacturers. Local producers argued that this influx eroded domestic profitability, prompting the ITAC investigation. The agency’s findings highlighted a sharp increase in low-priced Chinese steel, which it deemed harmful to local industry. The duties aim to level the playing field by offsetting the alleged dumping of goods at below-market prices.

Interested parties, including exporters and importers, have 14 days to submit written comments on the proposed duties. This period allows stakeholders to challenge the findings or provide additional data, which could influence the final determination. The ITAC’s role in balancing trade interests with domestic economic stability remains central to the case.