South Africa launches safeguard investigation on bolts with hexagon heads of iron or steel

On 15 May the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) initiated a safeguard investigation against increased imports of bolts with hexagon heads of iron or steel, classifiable in tariff subheading 7318.15.43, on which comment is due by 04 June.

The injury analysis relates to information submitted by CBC Fasteners (Pty) Ltd, SA Bolt Manufacturers (Pty) Ltd, Transvaal Pressed Nuts, and Bolts and Rivets (Pty) Ltd representing more than 80% of the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) industry by production volumes.

The applicant alleged and submitted prima facie information indicating that it had experienced serious injury in the form of a decline in sales volumes, output, market share, utilisation of capacity, net profit and productivity for the period 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2019.

On this basis Itac found that prima facie information had been submitted to indicate that the Sacu industry was suffering serious injury which could be causally linked to the surge in the volumes of imports of the subject products.

Any interested party may request an oral hearing provided that reasons are given for not relying on written submissions only. Itac will not consider a request for an oral hearing after 15 July.