On 29 January the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) published a call for public interest submissions into the investigation for remedial action in the form of a safeguard measure against the increased imports of bolts with hexagon heads of iron or steel, on which a response is due by 12 February.
On 15 May 2020, ITAC initiated an investigation for a remedial action in the form of a safeguard against increased imports of bolts with hexagon heads of iron or steel through a Government Gazette Notice.
Upon initiation of the investigation, interested parties were invited to submit comments on the initiation of the investigation.
On the basis of the information at ITAC’s disposal, it made a preliminary determination that events cited by the applicant could be regarded as unforeseen developments that had led to increased volumes of imports; the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) industry is suffering serious injury; there is a causal link between the serious injury suffered by the SACU industry and the surge of imports; and there are critical circumstances where a delay would cause damage that would be difficult to repair. ITAC further determined to impose provisional payments of 31.8% ad valorem on imports of bolts with hexagon heads of iron or steel for a maximum of 200 days, pending the finalisation of the investigation.
The basis and reasons for ITAC’s findings are set out in its Preliminary Report No. 636.
Story by: Riaan de Lange
