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On 15 June 2026, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) issued Report No. 768 containing its final determination in the safeguard investigation concerning imports of corrosion-resistant steel coils. Notably, Vietnam has been excluded from the scope of the proposed safeguard measure because its import volume remains below the applicable threshold, enabling Vietnamese exporters to maintain access to the South African market.
Case Background
The investigation was initially initiated by ITAC on 27 December 2024. Subsequently, the Commission terminated the original investigation and re-initiated the case pursuant to Notice No. 2931, published in South Africa Government Gazette No. 51903 on 17 January 2025.
The applicant is ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (AMSA), the principal producer of the product concerned within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), with the support of SAFAL Steel (Pty) Ltd.
The products under investigation consist of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel and alloy steel, plated or coated with zinc or aluminium-zinc alloys, with a width of 600 mm or more and a thickness of less than 0.45 mm, classified under the following HS codes:
- 7210.61.20;
- 7210.61.30;
- 7225.92.25;
- 7225.92.35.
ITAC examined data covering the period from 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2024 to assess the increase in imports and the resulting injury to the domestic industry.
Earlier, on 27 June 2025, ITAC issued its preliminary determination recommending the imposition of a provisional safeguard duty of 52.34% for a period of 200 days.
Final Determination
Following its investigation, consideration of submissions from interested parties, and the conduct of a public hearing, ITAC concluded that imports had increased suddenly, sharply, and significantly as a result of unforeseen developments, causing serious injury to the SACU domestic industry.
ITAC further determined that other factors, including market contraction and rising input, energy, and transportation costs, did not break the causal link between the increased imports and the serious injury suffered by the domestic industry.
Accordingly, ITAC recommended that the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition impose definitive safeguard measures on the products classified under the above HS codes according to the following progressively declining tariff schedule:
- Year 1: 52.34%;
- Year 2: 37.34%;
- Year 3: 22.34%.
The proposed safeguard measure would apply to imports from all countries except developing countries that qualify for exclusion under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, namely those whose individual share of imports does not exceed 3% of total imports and whose collective share does not exceed 9%.
Vietnam Excluded from the Safeguard Measure
According to Report No. 768, Vietnam is among the developing countries excluded from the scope of the proposed safeguard measure because its import volume does not exceed the prescribed threshold.
Consequently, under ITAC’s final determination, corrosion-resistant steel coils originating in Vietnam will not be subject to the recommended safeguard duties.
In addition, ITAC recommended expanding the duty rebate or exemption mechanism under Rebate Item 460.15/7210.61/01.06 for certain categories of products. The Commission also proposed monitoring the applicant’s selling prices following the implementation of the safeguard measure to minimize adverse effects on downstream industries.
Assessment and Recommendations
Vietnam’s continued exclusion from the scope of the proposed safeguard measure is a positive outcome, helping Vietnamese steel producers and exporters maintain their access to the South African market.
Nevertheless, as safeguard measures may be reviewed and adjusted over time, Vietnamese exporters should closely monitor the final decisions and implementation guidance issued by the competent South African authorities, particularly the definitive safeguard measure and the relevant customs regulations.
Businesses are also advised to develop contingency plans in the event that the scope of the safeguard measure is amended or Vietnam becomes subject to safeguard duties in future review proceedings, thereby ensuring the continuity of exports and minimizing potential trade risks.
To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Vietnam Antidumping Law Firm specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy for timely assistance.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to [email protected].
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