The impact of South Africa’s foreign policy on our exports
President Ramaphosa, in admiration of China’s foreign policy posture on Russia, stated that “the ANC detested the domination by a single state or its nation’s military, economic power, and social and cultural influence over how the rest…
South Africa moves to a more carefully considered trade policy – Yay!
We are seeing a move towards a more considered trade policy, which is a very good thing. There are three events from the last year which support my view. The first was the decision of the…
If you manufacture food and use diesel, you should read on….
From 1 April 2023, SARS will allow food manufacturers to claim back the Road Accident Fund part of their diesel price if the diesel is used in the food manufacturing process. This could be to run…
Review of customs duty on aluminium plates, coils, sheets, can stock and foil
On 24 February 2023 ITAC initiated a review of the customs duties on certain aluminium plates, coils, sheets, can stock, strips and foil classifiable under tariff headings 76.06 and 76.07. Previously, the Commission had recommended that…
Provisional anti-dumping duties imposed on windscreens from China
On 22 July 2022, ITAC initiated an investigation on the alleged dumping of windscreens for motor vehicles tariff heading 7007.21.20 imported from China. The application was brought forward by Shatterfrufe, a division of the PG Group,…
USA impose anti-dumping duty on lemon juice originating from Brazil and South Africa
On 6 February 2023, the final report of Lemon Juice anti-dumping originating from Brazil and South Africa was published. The commission found the United States is materially injured by reason of these imports. 31% of our…
The century old embrace of the South African government and the steel industry
A hundred years ago, the Union of South Africa government formulated its first industrial policies to help develop the then infant steel industry. The link between government support and South Africa’s primary steel industry has waxed…
USA extends AD duties on Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length imported from South Africa and 11 Other Countries
On 1 December 2021, the USA initiated a sunset review on Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length, from South Africa and 12 other countries. Unfortunately South Africa, along with Belgium and China, were found to inadequate group…
The EU safeguard duties on steel are being considered for early removal
The steel safeguard duties in the EU are being considered for early removal which is a big deal to South Africa. We must not be caught napping. Combined with the Section 232 duties in the USA,…
EU initiates a review of safeguard measures on certain steel products
The EU has initiated a review of the safeguard duties and quota applicable to imports of certain steel products. The safeguard duties are set to expire in 2024 however, the review is happening to determine if…
The facts on the scrap metal ban
On 5 August 2022, a draft policy was published proposing to ban the exports of scrap and other metals for a period of 6 months. Apparently over 2 000 comments were received, however the DTIC has…
Removal of the duty rebate on demineralised whey powder
On 18 November 2022, ITAC published an amendment for the deletion of rebate item 304.07/0404.10.01.06 which allowed duty relief if the demineralised whey powder was used to manufacture prepared infants’ food. Importers will have to pay…
The role of infrastructure in growing exports or in the collapse of our manufacturing sector
It is self-evident that in order to export, you need to have a way to get the stuff out of your country. The point where things leave the country is called a port and ours are…
Initiation of the sunset review of the anti-dumping duties on clear float glass originating in or imported from Indonesia.
On 18 November 2022 ITAC initiated the sunset review on clear float glass, classifiable under tariff subheadings 7005.29.17, 7005.29.23, 7005.29.25, 7005.29.35, originating in or imported from the Republic of Indonesia. The application was brought by the…
Increase in the rate of customs duty on windscreens
On 18 November 2022 ITAC initiated a tariff investigation to increase in the general rate of customs duty on “Front windscreens (windshields), rear windows and other windows specified in subheading Note 1 to Chapter 87” classifiable…
Application to increase the import duties on coated welded wire mesh
Wireforce have applied for a duty increase on “Coated welded wire mesh, classifiable under tariff subheading 7314.39, from 5% to 15%” The reasons given for the proposed increase are: To reduce the local industries’ dependency on…
Application to increase the rate of customs duty on thermal paper rolls of a width not exceeding 150mm
The Printing Industries Federation of South Africa (PIFSA), applied for a duty increase on “thermal paper rolls of a width not exceeding 150mm“ by way of creating some new tariff codes. If successful, the duties will…
Of donkey carts and ships… a state-owned shipping company sails into view
According to former US President Ronald Reagan, “[t]he nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.” Cue the Pre-draft South African Shipping Company Bill, 2022 from…
Initiation of Sunset Review on chicken imported from the USA
On 9 November 2022 ITAC initiated the Sunset Review on chicken classifiable under tariff subheading 0207.14.9. imported from the USA. The application was brought by the South African Poultry Association “SAPA” based on the assumption that…
NEDLAC publishes its Draft Report on the Public Procurement Bill
As part of its mandate under the NEDLAC Act, the Government sent the long-awaited Public Procurement Bill to NEDLAC for consultations. The Procurement Bill is meant to consolidate the fragmented legislation on procurement. The significance of…
Trade has started under the AfCFTA – well, sort of
In 2012, the African Union (AU) announced its intention to establish a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) by 2017. The CFTA would bring together (54) African countries with a combined population of more than one billion…
Anti-dumping investigation initiated on galvanised steel coil from China
On 12 October 2022 ITAC initiated a new anti-dumping case on “Other flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, otherwise plated or coated with zinc: corrugated: of a thickness of…
Nerdy but important anti-dumping update
When anti-dumping duties are imposed, the duties are connected to specific producers. So when ITAC, on 3 December 2021, imposed anti-dumping duties of 221% on “sinks of stainless steel (excluding that manufactured by Taijing Chuanger Metal…
Application to increase the import duties on rock drill or earth-boring tools
On 23 September 2022, ITAC initiated a review to increase the general rate of customs duties on rock drilling or earth boring tools, including parts thereof, classifiable under tariff subheadings 8207.13 and 8207.19, as follows: Bits,…
Provisional anti-dumping duties imposed on tyres from China
The International Trade Commission of South Africa (ITAC) have imposed provisional 38.3% anti-dumping duties on car, passenger, truck and bus tyres, with effect from 9 September 2022. These will remain in place until 8 March 2023.…
Why the proposed export ban on scrap metal won’t work
Here is what we know. Metal infrastructure is being stolen at an increasing rate and the volume of scrap metal being exported has been falling. That second point might not feel right, but it is, and…
Amendments to bicycles and other cycles to include Note(s) 5 and 6
Cycling has grown in popularity as a recreational sport in South Africa. With very few exceptions, bicycles are imported by a wide range of brands and distributors to meet the growing needs of the market. You…
UPDATING OF REGISTRATION OR LICENCING DETAILS ON SARS’ REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND ACCREDITATION (RLA) SYSTEM
SARS Customs has been expanding the application of its Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (“RLA”) system. The enhanced RLA system was implemented by SARS on 10 September 2021. Since then SARS proceeded to onboard more Customs client…
Request for comments on the proposed restrictions and regulations on the export of semi-finished metal products
On 2 September 2022, ITAC requested interested parties to comment on the proposed export guidelines for semi-finished metal products. On 10 February 2012, The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition proposed export regulations prohibiting the export…
Decrease in sugar customs duties
On 19 August 2022 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (“ITAC”) reduced the customs duties on sugar from 299.46c/kg to 195.28c/kg, implemented as follow: For more information, please contact us at info@xagta.com