South African importers face immediate higher duties on a wide range of steel and downstream metal products, while uncertainty remains over rebate permits for shipments already on the water.
The International Trade Administration Commission has finalised its review of South Africas steel import duty structure, with Sars publishing the implementation gazette on May 15. The changes introduce higher tariffs on several steel categories, alongside rebates for certain products that the local industry cannot manufacture and supply.
However, to qualify for the rebate, importers will have to apply to Itac for permits, and with guidelines not yet published, there is uncertainty regarding shipments that are already in transit.
