Imports Primary Products
Leadership, strategy, and steel industry advocacy
About Steel
Steel is the world’s most important engineering and construction material. It is used in every aspect of our lives; in cars and construction products, refrigerators and washing machines, cargo ships and surgical scalpels. It can be recycled repeatedly without loss of property.
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Latest Trade News
Steel Sector Business Confidence Index – Q2 2022
Overview
Update
South Africa Steel Imports 2025
According to SARS data, primary steel imports (excluding stainless, wire, and rail) reached a record high of approximately 1.56 million tonnes in 2025, despite remaining broadly flat year-on-year.
Semi-finished steel (billets, blooms, and slabs) imports surged dramatically, increasing more than six-fold to 195 723 tonnes in 2025 (+514%).
Long steel imports remained broadly stable (+1%), while heavy and light HR sections declined sharply to 38 582(-41%) tonnes in 2025, down from the record 65 898 tonnes in 2024.
Finished flat steel imports declined by approximately 11% (147 923 tonnes), with the steepest reductions in hot-rolled coil by 34% (-123 069 tonnes). However, significant increases were recorded on HR strip & universal plate, reached five-year peak of 28 512 tonnes. Notable increase recorded in coated flat products, HR strip & universal plate.
