On September 17, 2026, ITAC extended an invitation to comment on its review of tariff structure including the relevant trade remedy measures and the investigation into the introduction of an import surveillance system for paper and paper products (classifiable under tariff chapters 48.01, 48.02, 48.03, 48.04, 48.05, 48.11, 48.18 and 48.23). Comment is due by October 15, 2026.
Interested parties should note that ITAC will continue to evaluate ongoing applications for tariff amendments and trade measures in the sector and make recommendations thereon.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition requested ITAC’s sector-wide review of the paper products industry and recommendation of appropriate trade policy instruments that can drive the industry towards sustainability and resilience.
The reasoning for the review:
- The South African pulp and paper industry is under tremendous strain, particularly in the uncoated paper, newsprint, packaging and tissue segments. The sector has raised concerns about the growing challenges of rising import penetration, declining demand for print paper and the slowdown in the domestic economy.
- Increasing input costs, particularly electricity and transportation expenses, are placing significant pressure on local manufacturers and squeezing local producers’ profit margins. If these challenges are not effectively addressed, the economy risks losing significant industrial investments, employment opportunities and the economic sustainability of many rural communities that depend on the sector.
- The South African pulp and paper industry has made substantial investments in recent years and currently possesses technological innovation and sufficient installed production capacity. Over the past seven years, over R33 billion has been invested in the sector.
- The sector’s processing capacity is highly intertwined with virgin fibre production as well as recycled fibre, supporting a wide range of enterprises and employment.
- The Minister indicated that ITAC may consider, inter alia, potential injury to the industry and its upstream activities due to the concern of rising imports, the latest trade statistics following USA trade policy, the recent war in the Middle East, the conditions in the domestic and global markets, exchange rate fluctuations and other related factors.
Comments must be provided in the format of a questionnaire on ITAC’s website – www.itac.org.za – under Services – Tariff investigations – Government Gazette Notices – Other publication notices.
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