US set to impose new steel import taxes on South Africa, 9 other countries.

The move follows affirmative determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce that evidence exists of unfair pricing and government subsidies in these nations’ steel industries. Corrosion-resistant steel, the department noted, is widely used in automobiles, appliances, and construction. The determinations cover $2.9 billion (R51.1 billion) in imports from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. The additional duties, known as anti-dumping and countervailing measures, are designed to protect U.S. steelmakers from foreign competitors selling products below market prices or benefiting from unfair subsidies. While the taxes are not yet in effect, they could significantly increase the cost of imported steel for U.S. buyers if confirmed. The recent trade dispute over steel imports from South Africa is just one of many conflicts the nation has faced with the United States. Relations between Pretoria and Washington have been particularly tense under President Donald Trump, spanning a range of issues from debates over land and white farmers, to Elon Musk’s high-profile business dealings, and escalating trade tensions. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a sweeping 30% tariff on South African imports, one of the highest rates applied to any Sub-Saharan African country, citing concerns over alleged dumping and unfair subsidies. This tariff has had significant repercussions for South Africa’s export-driven economy, affecting steel, aluminum, automotive components, and industrial goods, while also putting the country’s duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) at risk. Source: Africabusinessinsider