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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
February Carbon & Alloy Steel Imports Up 21,8 Percent From Prior Month
Overview
Update
South Africa Steel Imports 2026
Steel Volumes Jan-Aug 2026: Wire Rod, Bars and Cold Rolled Sheet Lead Growth
Primary steel imports, excluding stainless steel, wire and rail, increased by 18.9% year on year to 1,312,675 tonnes in January–August 2026, from 1,103,472 tonnes in the corresponding period of 2025. The increase was concentrated in long and cold-rolled products, while plate in lengths and coated products recorded declines.
What changed
Biggest gains (tonnes)
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Wire rod: +62,305 (1,266 to 63,571)
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Other bars & rods: +52,942
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Cold rolled sheet: +45,228
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HR coil/sheet & plate coil: +35,109
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HR sections: +28,106
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Reinforcing bar: +21,246
Biggest declines (tonnes)
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Plate in lengths: -41,224
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TFS, Alu-zinc & other coated: -15,834
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HD galvanised sheet: -11,624
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Cold formed sections/bars: -10,788
HD galvanised sheet remains the largest product at 256,662 tonnes, though it eased about 4% year on year. HR coil/sheet & plate coil moved into second place with 215,001 tonnes.