The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) says it welcomes the decision by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel to impose antidumping duties on what it calls “unfairly traded” passenger, truck and bus tyres imported from China, following an investigation by the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac).

SATMC represents the four tyre manufacturers with plants in South Africa, namely Bridgestone Southern Africa, Continental Tyre South Africa, Goodyear South Africa and Sumitomo Rubber South Africa.

The tyre body applied to Itac for relief against dumped imports from China in late 2021 and received provisional relief for six months.

Duties ranging from 7.18% to 43.6% on passenger, truck and bus tyres imported from, or originating in, China will now remain in place for five years, until July 2028. 

Imports from other countries will continue unaffected into the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu).

“As SATMC, we applaud this decisive measure by Itac and the Minister, which comes as a significant victory for the domestic tyre industry,” says SATMC managing executive Nduduzo Chala.

“The implementation of these final antidumping duties will serve to uphold fair trade practices and protect the economy against opportunistic pricing in the tyre sector, which has posed a threat to the future of the South African tyre industry.” 

“We commend Itac’s expert members for their diligent efforts in conducting a thorough investigation into this complex matter and arriving at a well-justified conclusion, which acknowledges the challenges faced by the domestic tyre manufacturing sector,” notes Chala.

“We are also satisfied that the Minister found that the evidence of material injury to the industry was properly substantiated.

“SATMC and its members remain committed to driving growth, promoting innovation, and ensuring the sustainability of the domestic tyre industry and the continued supply of the wide Sacu customer base,” adds Chala.

“These duties will be essential in establishing a fair competitive landscape for our industry, ensuring a level playing field for domestic manufacturers and preserving local employment opportunities.”