On February 3, 2025, South Africa initiated a safeguard investigation into certain flat-rolled products of iron, non-alloy steel, and other alloy steel, with a call for interested parties to participate. The investigation will assess the impact of increased imports on the domestic industry and will follow WTO guidelines for stakeholder engagement and evidence submission.
On February 3, 2025, South Africa announced the initiation of a safeguard investigation concerning specific flat-rolled products made of iron or non-alloy steel, and certain flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, effective January 17, 2025. The notification was submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SG/N/6/ZAF/11, providing details about the investigation process and timelines for participation.
South Africa encourages interested parties to register their involvement within 20 days from the investigation’s start date. They can submit written evidence, comments, and requests for hearings to the Directorate: Trade Remedies I at the DTI Campus in Pretoria. Contact details are provided for parties wishing to engage directly with the Commission.
A safeguard investigation aims to assess whether increased imports are inflicting or posing a substantial threat of serious harm to the domestic industry. Importers, exporters, and relevant stakeholders can share evidence and context, responding to the submissions of other involved parties throughout the investigation. Safeguard measures can only be implemented if serious injury is identified as a consequence of the increased imports.
South Africa’s safeguard investigation signals a proactive approach to protecting local industries from potential harm due to increased imports of specific flat-rolled steel products. By inviting stakeholder participation, the country aligns with WTO protocols to ensure transparency and engagement during the assessment process. Ultimately, the findings will determine if restrictive measures are warranted to safeguard its domestic market.
Original Source: www.wto.org
