HARARE (FinX) – The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has formally initiated an investigation into alleged dumping of ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles, excluding finishing ceramics, originating in or imported from India, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The investigation notice, published in the Government Gazette on November 21, 2025, follows an application lodged by the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) industry.
The anti-dumping application was submitted by SACU Industry Tile Manufacturers, represented by Ceramic Industries (Pty) Ltd and Rayal Industrial (Pty) Ltd t/a Sinotile, who collectively account for over 80% of the domestic production of the subject product in SACU.
The imported products under scrutiny are ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles, specifically classified under tariff heading 69.07. ITAC has also flagged a potential tariff loophole under headings 6904.90 and 6907.40.
ITAC found prima facie proof of three key elements required for an anti-dumping measure:
- Dumping Allegation: This was established by comparing the normal values (domestic prices in the exporting countries) with the export prices.
- Normal Values were determined using price lists or sales invoices from manufacturers in Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and a quotation from a manufacturer in India.
- Export Prices were based on official import statistics from the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
- Material Injury Allegation: The Applicant presented evidence pointing to price suppression and price depression, as well as declines in sales and production volumes, profits, employment, capacity utilisation, and negative net cash flow and return on investment for the SACU industry.
- Causal Link and Threat of Injury: ITAC also found prima facie proof of a causal link between the alleged dumped imports and the material injury suffered. Additionally, the application indicates a threat of material injury due to the significant increase of allegedly dumped imports and limited literature on exporters’ disposable capacity.
Cumulative Assessment
The investigation will cumulatively assess the imports from all four countries—India, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—as the imported products meet the necessary criteria:
- The margins of dumping for each country are more than two percent.
- The volume of imports from each country are above negligibility levels.
- The imported products compete with each other and with the SACU like product.
