South Africa has decided not to impose a provisional safeguard duty on imports of carbon and alloy steel cold rolled flat products, Kallanish learns from the International Trade Administration of South Africa (ITAC).

The probe was launched in July into products falling under HS codes 7209.15, 7209.16, 7209.17, 7209.18, 7225.50 and 7226.92. This followed an application by the South African Iron and Steel Institute on behalf of ArcelorMittal South Africa.

The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) industry “…is suffering serious injury; and there is a causal link between the serious injury suffered by the SACU industry and the surge of imports,” ITAC says. However, provisional duties were not requested after the commission “…considered whether there were critical circumstances where a delay in imposition of provisional measures would cause damage that would be difficult to repair threatening injury.”

A public hearing on the probe is scheduled for 29 November. All parties wishing to make a submission but not attend the hearing must make their submission by 18 November. All parties wishing to make oral representations at the hearing should indicate their intention before the same deadline.

In July South Africa decided not to impose a preliminary safeguard duty on imports of carbon and alloy steel hot rolled coil and plate. A final determination is expected imminently.