US metal tariffs taking toll on South African aluminium and steel products manufacturers

Trade Union Solidarity on Thursday, June 20, reportedly said that the United States aluminium and steel tariffs were hurting South African manufacturers. At the same time it said that ever since the Trump administration granted tariffs exemption to Canada and Mexico, South African exporters of aluminium and steel products came under severe pressure. That’s because the exemption resulted in cheaper prices for Canadian and Mexican aluminium and steel compared to the South African price, pointed out Marius Croucamp, Solidarity deputy general secretary.

He particularly said, “These manufacturers find themselves in a dire situation because exports to the US are rapidly drying up. Factories have already started retrenching and it is possible that factories may close down.”

He argued that the lifting of the tariffs was a further setback for South African industry, which was already burdened by the increase in Eskom’s electricity tariffs and the carbon tax imposed by government.

In early June, Solidarity requested Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel to set up a meeting with key players in South African industry in order to discuss the issues, said Croucamp. He also said that Union supports the local manufacturers’ request to the minister to urgently discuss the impact of US tariffs on aluminium and steel.

 “Our focus is on saving the industry from collapse and on reducing job losses. Issues need to be addressed quickly and with sincerity so that solutions can be found,” Croucamp said.