South Africa’s Concrete Institute (TCI) has applied to the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) for tariffs on the huge influx of cement imports coming onto the domestic market.
Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, TCI managing director Bryan Perrie said the institute, which represents AfriSam, Dangote Cement SA, Larfarge, Natal Port Land Cement and PPC, believed the imports were seriously impacting the industry at a time when it is facing "unprecedented low levels of demand" due to a decline in economic growth.
"A safeguard action would therefore be required to ensure the viability of this critical industry," he said.
In its recent application the ITAC, TCI stated that a total of 350,441 tonnes of cement imports reached South African shores in the second quarter of 2019, the highest number since the third quarter of 2015.
Imports from Vietnam topped 301,872 tonnes, and total imports have increased by 139% since 2016, it added.
he industry is further dealing with the financial impact of the newly implemented Carbon Tax, which TCI says will increase operating costs and hit margins.
