LN24 International published on 20 March 2025 an article titled "South Africa Imposes Steep Tariffs on Structural Steel Imports from China, Thailand."
South Africa imposed a tariff of 75 percent on structural steel imports from China following evidence of persistent dumping by Chinese companies. It also imposed a 20 percent tariff on imports from Thailand. The goal is to protect South African steel producers. China has not yet responded.
Mining.com posted on 3 November 2025 an article titled "China's Massive African Mine Threatens to Upend Iron Ore Market" by Thomas Biesheuval and William Cloves.
Simandou mine in Guinea is the world's largest untapped iron ore deposit with estimated reserves of 3 billion tons. Its iron content is among the world's highest, and its development could impact the global market. Chinese firms own most of the project. China will be in a strong position to influence iron ore prices once production advances further.
The Nation published on 21 April 2025 an article titled "Nigerian, Chinese Firms Seal $2.5b Steel Production Deal" by Chikodi Okereocha.
A Nigerian firm and China's Sinomach-HE have signed a financial and technical cooperation agreement for the development of a steel production plant in Nigeria valued at $2.5 billion. The project will process Nigerian iron ore into finished steel products for sale locally.
The Diplomat published on 7 April 2025 a commentary titled "How Chinese Investments Are Reshaping Africa's Steel Industry" by Sena Voncujovi.
For China, investing in Africa's steel industry is a strategic move to relocate surplus production and address slowing domestic demand. China is acquiring and developing iron ore mines and steel production facilities across Africa. This may help African nations move from being passive buyers of Chinese steel to active producers.
Zawya Projects posted on 29 May 2023 an article titled "Chinese Companies Flock to Egypt's SCZONE" by Eman Hamed.
Chinese companies have announced more than $3 billion in investment projects in the coming years in the Suez Canal Economic Zone in the chemical, textile/apparel, power, pipes, and iron and steel sectors.
Comment: Historically, not all announcements of Chinese investment projects materialize and it will be instructive what happens in this case.
