Revised Steel Master Plan aims to protect SA market

The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition is finalising a revised Steel Master Plan aimed at safeguarding South Africa’s (SA) local steel market. ​

Minister Parks Tau says the updated strategy will assist the sector in making strategic decisions around production and metal recycling, while tackling core systemic threats.

The local steel industry faces significant operational pressure, including cheap imports, infrastructure damage, and supply chain disruptions.​

Tau says beyond production and recycling efficiencies, the plan is specifically designed to curb widespread infrastructure theft and vandalism.

“There’s work that we’re doing with regard to regulations around scrap exports. There’s work that we’re doing on the tariff side with regard to preferential pricing systems for steel. So it’s different elements of the work that we’re doing that simply seek to ensure that we remain competitive and have capability in the country.”