South Africa is considering imposing tariffs of up to 50% on vehicles imported from China and India, in an effort to protect its domestic automotive industry from a surge in imports. 

The country’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is reportedly conducting an internal review to assess potential measures aimed at curbing inbound shipments, which policymakers say are undermining local manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), a trade union, has criticised the proposal, arguing that the government should not protect one sector at the expense of others. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Ayabonga Cawe, the Chief Commissioner of the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC).