Latest News

SAfrica thinks about grumbling to WTO versus EU carbon border tax

South Africa is thinking about lodging a formal complaint at the World Trade Organization against the European Union's protectionist carbon border levy, Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel stated on Wednesday.

The EU's proposed carbon border change mechanism (CBAM),. which will enforce charges on imports of carbon-intensive products. like steel and cement into Europe, has actually dealt with criticism from some. establishing countries and sectors including China's steel industry.

In October, the EU launched a trial phase of the world's. first carbon border levy, which from 2026 will impose expenses on. imports of steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity,. and hydrogen.

Our company believe that first reward constantly is to reach arrangement. through engagement and settlement and our door stays open to. find a settlement with the European Union on this matter, Patel. told .

Stopping working whatever else, we would be required to take the. next action which would be to lodge a protest (at the. WTO), but we are still continuing conversations with a view to. finding a friendly option, he added.

A European Commission representative said the border levy. was designed to adhere to WTO rules and would enable deductions. for any carbon rates currently paid abroad.

EU domestic market pays a carbon rate. We need to. make sure importers pay a comparable cost, based upon the carbon. content of their goods, to avoid carbon leak and help. decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the spokesperson said.

Carbon leakage refers to the risk that, instead of. reducing emissions, European markets would merely emigrate. to prevent paying the EU's domestic carbon price.

Nevertheless, nations consisting of South Africa say CBAM would. punish establishing nations struggling to raise the big. financial investments needed to minimize their industries' CO2 emissions.

Instead of acknowledging differential levels of advancement,. it enforces a one-size fits on all companies throughout the world, Patel. stated.

He said South Africa, which might take a major economic. hit ought to CBAM be presented, had raised the problem of. trade-related procedures on environment change at the WTO in February.

The EU is South Africa's biggest trading partner and the. existing variation of CBAM might result in a decrease of total. exports to the EU of 4% in 2030

(source: Reuters)