Tel :
Tel :
On May 3, 2025, the Zimbabwean 39MnB5 steel government officially issued the "Statutory Instrument 46 of 2025" to adjust the import policy of steel products. This regulation amended the Regulations on the Control of Import and Export of Goods, removing some steel varieties from the 1974 General Import License List and stipulating that relevant products must obtain a formal import license issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade before importation.
The products covered by this adjustment include plates, threaded steel, round steel with a width less than 600 millimeters, as well as U-shaped steel, I-beams, H-beams, angle steel, channel steel and other steel products. The policy aims to effectively regulate the quantity and structure of steel imports through a non automated licensing system, providing market guarantees for the release of domestic production capacity.
The policy background is closely related to the production of local production capacity in Zimbabwe. Dinson Steel Company (DISCO) located in Chivhu has been completed and put into operation by the end of 2024. Its planned products include steel billets, rebar, and structural steel. The project is invested by China 39MnB5 steel Qingshan Holdings Group. The new policy is seen as providing supporting policies for its production, ensuring the sales channels of local products in the market.
Although this measure does not constitute a direct import ban, the introduction of non automated licensing mechanisms will significantly strengthen administrative control over imported steel. For the construction and manufacturing industry that relies on imported steel, future procurement arrangements and project scheduling will be more affected by the efficiency of license approval and process transparency.
From the perspective of regional policy comparison, South Africa implements steel security measures through ITAC, India controls imports through tariffs and quality inspection standards, and Indonesia strengthens local manufacturing through import approval and local value-added requirements. Zimbabwe's policy this time is similar to the above-mentioned countries, reflecting the import substitution industry strategy commonly adopted by developing economies in the early stages of industry.
As a member of the African 39MnB5 steel Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the South African Economic Corridor, Zimbabwe also needs to ensure that its institutional design does not constitute discriminatory barriers while implementing such measures, and is consistent with its existing trade obligations. According to relevant trade agreements, it is allowed to set import permits based on industrial policies or international balance of payments protection within a reasonable range, provided that the measures are transparent, non discriminatory, and time limited.
