On 10 July 2026, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) announced the initiation of an investigation into the alleged dumping of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy and of other alloy steel (excluding stainless steel), whether or not in coils, with a width of 600 mm or more (including cut-to-length products), cold-rolled (cold-reduced), not clad, plated, or coated, and excluding grain-oriented silicon electrical steel, classifiable under tariff subheadings 7209.16, 7209.17, 7209.18 and 7225.50, originating in or imported from the People’s Republic of China (China) on which comment is due by 10 August 2026.
The applicant
The application was lodged by ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd (AMSA). AMSA is the only producer of the subject product in the SACU region, and accordingly, constitutes 100% of the domestic production of the like product in SACU. The injury information submitted by AMSA accounts for a major share of the total Southern African Customs Union (SACU) production.
AMSA submitted sufficient evidence and established a prima facie case to enable ITAC to reach a reasonable conclusion that an investigation should be initiated based on dumping, material injury and causality.
The allegation of dumping
The dumping allegation is based on comparing normal values with export prices from China. The normal values were determined based on export prices to various third countries, per the applicable tariff subheading. The normal values provided for China were third-country exports from China to Canada, Denmark, Kazakhstan and the United States of America (US), whilst normal values were obtained from the International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map. The export prices were based on official import statistics from the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
On this basis, ITAC found that there was prima facie proof of dumping of the subject product originating in or imported from China.
The allegation of injury
AMSA submitted prima facie evidence to show price undercutting, price depression and price suppression. Additionally, AMSA’s information indicates declines in sales volumes, profits and cash flow, as well as increases in inventory levels and declines in return on investment and market share.
On this basis, ITAC found that there was prima facie proof of material injury.
Causal link
ITAC found prima facie evidence of dumping and material injury to the SACU industry and a causal link between the alleged dumped imports and the SACU industry’s material injury.
Period of investigation
The period of investigation to determine the dumping margin is from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. The period of investigation to determine material injury is from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2025.