Industry News : SASSDA

JANUARY 2025

Much at stake as Itac moves on ‘flagship’ review of steel tariffs

The review of South Africa’s steel tariff structure set to be undertaken by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) has been described as the largest ever and is, thus, expected to have far-reaching consequences for the sector and the level of protection provided to industry participants across the value-chain.

Itac expects to finalise review of scrap export regulations during first half of 2025

International Trade Administration of South Africa (Itac) chief commissioner Ayabonga Cawe reports that a summary report relating to the commission’s review of the Price Preference System (PPS) for scrap metal has been handed to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

AMSA’s long-steel closure a ‘devastating’ blow to economy, SEIFSA warns

The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) has expressed grave concern over ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA’s) decision to mothball its long-steel operations, describing the move as a “socioeconomic catastrophe” with widespread ramifications for the economy, industry and communities.

The dtic says it will continue to seek ‘workable resolution’ to closure of AMSA’s longs unit

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) says it intends to continue its engagements with ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) “until a workable resolution to the problems faced by AMSA and the steel industry is reached”.

Strong policies and partnerships needed to boost steel industry – SEIFSA

The de-industrialisation trend plaguing South Africa’s metals and engineering sector stems from the absence of a well-considered and all-encompassing metals sector industrial policy, says Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) CEO Lucio Trentini.

Itac confirms review of steel tariff structure amid ‘regrettable’ Newcastle closure

The International trade Administration of South Africa (Itac) has confirmed that it is undertaking a review of the steel tariff structure alongside surveillance of the upstream, midstream and downstream imports of steel products.

No reprieve likely this time after talks on Newcastle mill’s survival fail

The failure of a task team established to chart a survival strategy for ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA’s) Newcastle Works, in KwaZulu-Natal, culminated in the JSE-listed steel group notifying government on December 21 that it would shut the operation by the end of January.

AMSA confirms closure of Newcastle Works as it issues profit warning

Steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has announced that it will close its long-products business in a move that will affect 3 500 direct and indirect jobs and which is likely to have significant socioeconomic implications for the Newcastle region of KwaZulu-Natal.

DECEMBER 2024

Simmering steel tensions coming to boil as Newcastle mill’s survival comes under spotlight again

Long simmering tensions in South Africa’s steel sector appear to be coming to a boil following a joint statement by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA)

NOVEMBER 2024

Columbus Stainless calls for holistic govt approach to safeguard domestic steel production

Cooperation between the South African government and the steel manufacturing industry is imperative to address the underlying economic and other issues that created the current lack of local demand for steel, as well as protection to assist the local industry in defending itself against outside threats such as excessive imports, stainless steel flat products producer Columbus Stainless says in a statement.

OCTOBER 2024

China’s steel demand has shrunk to less than half global total

China will account for less than half of global steel consumption in 2024 for the first time in six years, according to the World Steel Association, as the decline in the country’s real estate sector pummels demand for the metal.

‘Support and commitment’ not enough to save long steel business, urgent action needed – AMSA

Government’s support for, and commitment to, addressing the removal of export tax on scrap metal, resetting the price preference system (PPS) mechanism at an appropriate level, implementing trade measures and reducing logistics and energy costs are insufficient and more urgent action is needed to save steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA’s) long steel business, the company said in a voluntary trading update on October 16.

South African steel industry needs stable demand to be import-competitive for grid pylons

A study benchmarking the price of steel transmission grid pylon towers and what South African manufacturers can do to compete with Chinese and Turkish imports showed that “a bit of” stable demand was needed to enable local manufacturers to compete effectively.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Seifsa president sees new political climate as opportunity to revive metals sector

Steel and Engineering Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) president Elias Monage has described the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) as an opportunity to revive the metals and engineering sector by fixing the basics and raising infrastructure spend.

SEPTEMBER 2024

ND Engineering announced the overall winner at this year’s Stainless Steel Awards

The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) has announced the winners of its Stainless Steel Awards after a five-year hiatus, with ND Engineering having been awarded the overall winner title owing to its consistent excellence across multiple categories.

Organisation reintroduces awards, promotes sustainability

Celebrating its sixtieth anniversary, the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) has reintroduced the Sassda and Columbus Stainless Awards – with the theme of innovation and sustainability – this month, following a five-year hiatus.

AUGUST 2024

SA’s automotive prospects clouded by high taxes and exports risks

The importance of export growth as an automotive industry strategy is crucial to mitigate the numerous risks associated with South Africa’s low growth environment.

Steel giant sees first demand ‘green shoots’ in years as GNU prioritises infrastructure and localisation

Steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA), which has been bemoaning weak domestic demand conditions for several years, reports that it is witnessing signs of “green shoots” in manufacturing and has also expressed cautious optimism over a potential for a recovery in energy-, construction- and automotive-related demand.

JULY 2024

Aggressive scrap metal policies should be based on transparent data, not conjecture, expert says

Significant alterations to existing scrap metal regulations and outright bans – albeit temporary – on the trade of certain scrap metals should not be made without access to transparent and accurate sector data, international trade consultancy XA Global Trade Advisors director Donald MacKay has said.

Localisation to be used to create early-stage demand in targeted sectors – Tau

While proclaiming industrial policy to be the “centre piece” of the government of national unity’s economic development strategy, new Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau indicated he would be leaning on local procurement to create early-stage demand in targeted sectors.

Steel tariff boosts Amsa’s prospects

Tariff comes as major producer ArcelorMittal SA is trying to find its feet amid lower demand. SA’s largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal SA (Amsa), has received a shot in the arm after the government imposed a 9% duty on imports of hot-rolled steel products.

New trade and industry leadership expected to use industrial policy levers to support key sectors

With industrial policy back in fashion in many economies, business and policy specialists expect new Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau to prioritise measures to support key sectors, including those aligned to the emerging green economy.

AMSA to continue operating longs business, but instability at flats unit hits earnings

Despite a negative trading update, steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) has announced that it will continue to operate its longs business, the closure of which was deferred earlier this year while various initiatives aimed at saving the unit were pursued with government, labour and other stakeholders.

JUNE 2024

Neasa asks Patel, Itac to stop imposing upstream steel import duties

The National Employers’ Association of South Africa (Neasa) says government’s duties on imported steel only serve to support ailing primary steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA).

MAY 2024

Patel to leave Cabinet after elections

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has announced that he will conclude his service in Cabinet after next week’s election

Sassda’s involvement in Steel Master Plan drives several projects

The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) is one of the most active stainless steel industry associations in the world and has, since 1964, been involved in increasing the awareness and use of stainless steel in Southern Africa.

Seifsa, Numsa conclude three-year metals, engineering sector wage agreement

After three formal engagements, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) and trade union the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) have concluded the terms of a three-year wage agreement for the metals and engineering sector.

Auto exports soar to new record; shift to EVs sees drop in catalytic converter numbers

Despite a tough domestic economy undermining a recovery in new-vehicle sales to pre-pandemic levels, record vehicle exports in 2023 ensured that the South African automotive sector still managed to outperform the rest of the manufacturing sector, says Naamsa | The Automotive Business Council chief trade and research officer Dr Norman Lamprecht.

Air Products to leverage expertise to bolster South Africa’s hydrogen mobility ecosystem

Industrial and specialty gas manufacturer and supplier Air Products South Africa is looking to leverage on the group’s global expertise and experience in the hydrogen industry, as well as its technology offering, to play a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable and thriving hydrogen mobility ecosystem in the country.

AMSA to convert one Vanderbijlpark blast furnace to an electronic arc furnace by 2028

Steelmaker ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) CEO Kobus Verster has confirmed that the company will be converting one of its three blast furnaces into an electronic arc furnace (EAF) within the next four years.

AMSA expects to break ground on Vanderbijlpark’s 200 MW solar plant this year

Steelmaker ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) is planning to start construction on a 200 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant at its Vanderbijlpark facility, in Gauteng, towards the end of the year, CEO Kobus Verster has told Engineering News.

APRIL 2024

Mill highlights benefits of stainless steel for sugar industry

Using stainless steel in the sugar industry, where processing conditions can be particularly corrosive, has proven to be an effective solution in mitigating wear-related challenges, says South African stainless steel mill Columbus Stainless market development manager Lerato Mashigo.

Industry leaders, innovators to congregate at Machine Tools Africa

Stay abreast of industry trends, gain insight to the latest technologies, and see hundreds of new products and innovations on display at the world-class Machine Tools Africa exhibition, taking place from 21-24 May 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.

MARCH 2024

SASSDA revives sought after Awards in Celebration of its 60th Anniversary

As Sassda proudly celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2024, it has also announced the highly anticipated return of the Sassda & Columbus Stainless Steel Awards supported by title sponsor Columbus Stainless and category sponsors Euro Steel, Macsteel and NDE.

Centred around the theme, ‘Sustainability: A Legacy of Brilliance’ the awards will take place on 19^th September 2024 and will honour the enduring strength and durability of stainless steel, while recognising the resilience of the local stainless steel industry in navigating the current challenges it faces.

Low demand threatens sustainability

The South African steel sector is facing significant challenges, primarily because of oversupply, in addition to very little demand, coupled with economic constraints.

FEBRUARY 2024

Metals, engineering output up 1.7% but still far below 2008/9 peak

While aggregate production in the South African metals and engineering sector increased by 1.7% last year, which is slightly higher than the 1.5% increase in 2022, it remains 18% below where it was in 2008/9

JANUARY 2024

More than 290 000 jobs on the line as steel sector continues its decline, Seifsa warns

Over a five-year period, the average 1.3% a year decline in the metals and engineering sector will lead to an average 2.9% decline in employment, or 293 754 direct and indirect job losses, industry organisation Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) COO Tafadzwa Chibanguza warns

Downstream companies implore ArcelorMittal South Africa, govt to avoid long steel plant closures

The South African downstream steel industry has urgently appealed to both steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) and the government to find immediate solutions that will allow the continued operation of the three AMSA plants that make up the company’s long steel business in South Africa.

US agrees preliminary deal with Africa on extending Agoa by ten years, says Patel

The US has reached preliminary agreement with African nations to extend their preferential trade access by another decade, pending approval by Congress, South Africa’s trade minister said.

Seifsa hopes for more PPPs this year

The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) will continue to advocate for more private sector participation in public infrastructure this year, with CEO Lucio Trentini stating that many of the country’s challenges can be best addressed through private-public partnerships (PPPs).