South Africa launches anti-dumping probe into cement imports

South Africa’s International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of cement from Vietnam and Mozambique.

The investigation follows an application submitted by domestic producers AfriSam and Sephaku Cement, part of Dangote Cement, which alleged that imported cement was being sold in South Africa at dumped prices.

ITAC said it had found prima facie evidence of dumping, calculating estimated dumping margins of 90 per cent for cement imported from Mozambique and 37 per cent for Vietnamese material.

According to the commission, the applicants also provided evidence indicating that the domestic industry had suffered material injury, including declining market share, sales volumes, profitability and employment.

The investigation will determine whether dumping has occurred and whether it has caused or threatens to cause material injury to South Africa’s cement industry. Depending on its findings, the process could lead to the imposition of anti-dumping duties on affected imports.