Imports Primary Products

South Africa’s primary steel imports (excluding stainless steel, wire and rail) declined sharply on a month-on-month basis, falling by 29% from 164 014 tonnes in November 2024 to 116 253 tonnes in November 2025. This decline was driven largely by a significant contraction in flat products, which dropped by 43%, reflecting steep reductions in cold-rolled sheet, coated products and plate. These declines were only partially offset by modest growth in painted and plastic-coated sheet. In contrast, intermediate products more than doubled, increasing by 127%, highlighting a growing reliance on semi-finished steel.

On a year-to-date basis (January–November), total primary steel imports remain elevated,  increased by 3% to 1.47 million tonnes compared with the same period in 2024. This modest increase masks a notable shift in the product mix. Imports of intermediate products—particularly billets, blooms and slabs—rose sharply from 25 277 tonnes to 187 476 tonnes, while sections and bars declined by 10% and flat products fell by 8%, with pronounced weakness in hot-rolled coil and plate, plate products, and electro-galvanised sheet.

Overall, the data point to a structural shift away from finished steel products toward semi-finished imports, with important implications for domestic beneficiation, downstream manufacturing activity and capacity utilisation within South Africa’s steel industry.