South Africa’s import surge threatens local steel industry
Release Date:
2026-03-19
The South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI) is raising concerns over rising steel imports at the start of 2026 and warning of the mounting pressure on domestic producers, Kallanish notes.
According to SAISI, total steel imports reached 159,251 tonnes in January, up 11.8% year-on-year. The institute says the increase adds strain to local mills already navigating a challenging global trading environment.
The sharpest rise was recorded for long products, where import volumes surged 151% on-year to 24,742t from 9,861t.
SAISI says the influx of imported structural and wire products is eroding capacity utilisation across the domestic long steel value chain, posing a direct threat to local producers.
Flat products, which account for the largest share of imports, rose 5.3% on-year to 111,772t. Within this category, hot rolled coil, sheet and plate coil imports increased significantly to 42,959t from 24,616t.
The institute notes that despite relatively moderate overall growth in flat product volumes, sustained reliance on imported hot rolled and coated steel remains a concern, given the ability of domestic producers to supply these grades.
SAISI adds that while higher imports of construction-related materials, including reinforcing bar, point to underlying demand, it is critical that this demand is met by local manufacturers to support employment and industrial activity.
From: Kallanish
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