📋 South Africa Just Launched 2 Trade Cases on Chinese Cold-Rolled Steel – Your African Market Entry Just Got Harder

If you export cold-rolled steel to Africa, take note: South Africa just fired a double shot.

On July 10, 2026, South Africa‘s International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) launched two simultaneous trade investigations against Chinese cold-rolled flat steel products.

ITAC initiated an anti-dumping investigation on flat-rolled products of iron, non-alloy steel, and other alloy steel (excluding stainless steel) originating from China. The products covered include cold-rolled flat-rolled products, width ≥600mm, whether or not in coils (including cut-to-length products), not clad, plated or coated.

On the same day, ITAC also initiated a safeguard investigation on cold-rolled steel products, covering an even wider range of tariff codes including 7209.15, 7209.16, 7209.17, 7209.18, 7209.25, 7209.26, 7209.27, 7209.90, 7211.23, 7211.29, 7211.90 and 7225.50.

If both measures are imposed, Chinese cold-rolled steel entering South Africa could face two layers of tariffs – one targeted, one global.

South Africa is not alone in Africa. Other African nations are watching closely and may follow suit. Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt have all signaled interest in protecting their domestic steel industries.

If you have orders destined for South Africa or the broader Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market, your cost structure is about to change. The window to ship at current duty rates is closing.

📩 Contact CNB Group today. We can help you assess the impact, explore alternative African markets, or expedite shipments before provisional duties take effect.