On 26 February 2026, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) announced the initiation of an investigation for remedial action in the form of a safeguard measure against the increased imports of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, clad, plated or coated, with aluminium-zinc alloys, of a thickness of 0.45mm or more, classifiable in tariff subheadings 7210.61.40 and 7210.61.90 and flat-rolled products of non-alloy or other alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, otherwise plated or coated with zinc, of a thickness of 0.45mm or more, classifiable in tariff subheadings 7210.49.40, 7210.49.50, 7210.49.90, 7225.92.45, 7225.92.55 and 7225.92.90 (corrosion-resistant steel thick gauge) on which comment is due by 27 March 2026.
ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (AMSA), the major producer of the subject product in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), lodged the application on behalf of the SACU Industry, supported by SAFAL Steel Pty (Ltd), a manufacturer of steel thick gauge.
Description of the like or directly competitive SACU product
The SACU product is described as flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, clad, plated or coated, with aluminium-zinc alloys, of a thickness of 0.45mm or more, classifiable in tariff subheadings 7210.61.40 and 7210.61.90 and flat rolled products of non-alloy or other alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, otherwise plated or coated with zinc, of a thickness of 0.45mm or more, classifiable in tariff subheadings 7210.49.40, 7210.49.50, 7210.49.90, 7225.92.45, 7225.92.55 and 7225.92.90.
Preliminary determination
ITAC made a preliminary determination that the events cited constitute unforeseen developments. These unforeseen developments and the effect of the obligations incurred under the GATT 1994 led to an increase in the volume of imports in absolute and relative terms. The surge is recent, sharp, significant, and sudden enough. ITAC also made a preliminary determination that the SACU industry is experiencing serious injury and that there is a causal link between the serious injury and the surge in import volumes resulting from unforeseen developments. ITAC considered that although the SACU Industry is experiencing injury, there are no critical circumstances that justify the imposition of provisional measures. ITAC therefore decided not to request the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to impose provisional measures whilst the investigation continues.
A public hearing is scheduled for 19 March 2026, to be held virtually on MS Teams. All interested parties who wish to attend and make oral representations to ITAC on public interest should indicate their intention to attend on or before 06 March 2026 at 15:00.
All interested parties who wish to address ITAC on public interest should submit a detailed version, including a non-confidential version, of the information to be discussed at the public hearing, in writing to the Senior Manager: Trade Remedies, on or before 13 March 2026 at 15:00. A party who does not timeously submit a non-confidential version of the information to be discussed at the public hearing will not be allowed to take part in the public hearing.
Parties requesting to attend a public interest hearing should note that it will be an open hearing, with all parties present, and that only non-confidential information should be presented. As indicated, parties are at liberty to submit a confidential version of the information in writing to ITAC on or before 13 March 2026.