On 18 September 2025, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) called for comment on the creation of a temporary rebate provision for the importation “New pneumatic tyres of a kind used in agricultural or forestry vehicles and machines having a rim size of less than 91cm, classifiable under tariff subheading 4011.70.10, in such quantities, at such times and subject to such conditions as the International Trade Administration Commission may allow by specific permit, provided the products are not available in the SACU market”. Comment is due by 16 October 2025.
The application was lodged by Tubestone (Pty) Ltd, who reasoned that:
- There are no local manufacturers of the subject products nor any other suitable substitutes in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), with the last domestic manufacturer ceasing the manufacture of agricultural tyres in 2020;
- Consequently, local demand for the subject products is satiated through imports. The customs duty applicable to the subject products results in additional cost to the agricultural sector as agricultural tyres are mainly used for off-road tractors, which in turn adds needless cost to consumers of foodstuffs; and
- The duty also erodes the competitiveness of food products for the export market. This is especially relevant in the current economic climate. The duty also disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable consumers in the SACU region.
