Sassda pioneered its 60Minutes with Stainless webinars in 2020 as a means to communicate key insight and information via an easily accessible digital channel amidst the business restrictions of the COVID-19 lockdown. The webinars have since become a popular fixture in many professionals’ diaries as they use these sessions to beef up their knowledge of stainless steel and gain additional market intelligence across a variety of key demand sectors and Sub-Saharan markets.
To date topics have included the Fundamentals of Stainless covering key aspects such as grade selection and lifecycle costing, corrosion, hygiene and water applications, and key African Market Intelligence - with project highlights from countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique
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South Africa’s stainless steel sector is under pressure following the U.S. decision to impose tariffs, some up to 50%, on local stainless steel exports. In response, Sassda hosted its latest 60 Minutes with Stainless webinar on 9 July 2025, featuring renowned economist Dawie Roodt, who warned that tariffs are effectively taxes that distort markets and ultimately hurt consumers.
Roodt argued that the move is less about protecting American industry and more about using trade as political leverage. He cautioned that unless South Africa stabilises its policy direction and global positioning, more pressure could follow.
The webinar also unveiled results from a Sassda member survey showing clear opposition to blanket tariffs. More than 70% of respondents rejected across-the-board duties, favouring more targeted measures, where justified.