Local Before Global? Sa's Green Industry Faces Tariff Storm

In a country desperate for energy security, a new government proposal could throw a spanner in the works of South Africa's booming renewable energy sector.

The International Trade Administration Commission ITAC has launched a review that may dramatically increase import duties on a wide range of green energy products - from solar panels and wind turbine parts to the smallest nuts and bolts that hold installations together. Critics argue it's a bold move that could suffocate progress rather than stimulate it.

The review, published in mid-April, outlines a plan to evaluate 82 import categories tied to renewable energy systems and battery storage. These include key components like lithium-ion batteries, solar modules, and the steel structures that support them.

At the heart of the plan? A desire to promote local manufacturing and make South Africa a central player in the global clean energy supply chain.

But not everyone's convinced.