South Africa orders tariff review of pulp and paper sector after Sappi and Mondi complaints
South Africa's trade minister Parks Tau has ordered the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) to review tariff protection for the domestic pulp and paper sector against rising import penetration. The review follows separate requests from Sappi and Mondi for tariffs on newsprint and office paper imports, and comes after Mpact issued retrenchment notices in its carton board business. Itac will assess import injury, exchange rate movements and the effect of US trade policy before recommending measures.
Why this mattersTariff protection would reshape competitive conditions for South African paper producers against cheap imports and a stronger rand.
- Trade minister Parks Tau ordered Itac to review the paper and paper products tariff structure on 18 September 2026.
- Sappi asked earlier in 2026 for a 5% tariff on newsprint imports, warning the local print industry risks extinction without it.
- Mondi has sought trade protection against cheap office paper imports, including for its Rotatrim brand.
- Itac will also investigate an import surveillance system; representations are due by 15 October 2026.
- A government notice states more than USD 2.03bn (ZAR 33bn) has been invested in the sector over the past seven years.
- Mpact issued retrenchment notices in its carton board business earlier in 2026, citing cheap imports and a stronger rand.