South Africa receives US Import tariff exemption for 161 Aluminum products and 36 Iron and Steel products

SMM10, 26 March: the Ministry of Trade and Industry of South Africa (DIT) announced on October 24 that the United States Department of Commerce exempted 161 aluminum and 36 steel products imported from the United States under Article 232 tariffs. It is reported that the product exemption applies only to companies where buyers in the United States request exemption from Section 232 obligations to the Business Department. For aluminum, exempted products include aluminum foil and plates, as well as plates and strips. The exemptions of some aluminium and steel producers confirm that South Africa remains a source of strategic primary and secondary products for further value-added manufacturing in the United States and therefore does not threaten the national security of the United States. The abolition of tariffs is conducive to employment in both countries.

South African Trade Minister Robert Davis formally asked the country to waive Article 232 tariffs in March and met with U. S. Trade Representatives Robert Lacey and Ross in Washington in July.

The Government of South Africa continues to maintain contact with the Government of the United States and continues to request national tariff exemptions.

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