South Africa’s imports of carbon, alloy and other steel products increased by 14% year-on-year to 1.12 million tonnes in the January–July 2026 period, compared with 975,386 tonnes in the corresponding period of 2025.

Imports also increased in July, rising by 33% year-on-year to 192,065 tonnes, from 144,244 tonnes in July 2025.

The January–July increase was driven by higher imports across several product categories. HR coil/sheet and plate coil imports increased by 24% to 205,179 tonnes, while other bars and rods rose by 118% to 84,594 tonnes. HR sections, heavy/light increased by 85% to 50,144 tonnes, while wire rod imports increased by 43% to 52,176 tonnes.

Imports of reinforcing bar increased by 737% to 18,027 tonnes, while HR strip and universal plate increased by 115% to 20,266 tonnes. HD galvanised strip imports increased by 143% to 11,572 tonnes.

Several product categories recorded declines. Plate in lengths ≥4.75mm fell by 84% to 6,724 tonnes, while cold formed sections/bars declined by 54% to 9,225 tonnes. TFS, aluminium-zinc and other coated products decreased by 20% to 52,811 tonnes, and tin sheet imports declined by 16% to 49,651 tonnes.

In July 2026, imports increased by 47,821 tonnes compared with July 2025. Notable increases included HR coil/sheet and plate coil, up 110%; HR sections, heavy/light, up 615%; reinforcing bar, up 741%; and wire rod, up 1,731%.