Seifsa calls for alternatives to scrap metal export ban

In anticipation of Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel’s decision on the way forward regarding scrap metal regulations, and following the extended public comment period which closed on January 12, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) is calling on the Minister not to take a “narrow and short-term view on the matter”, but rather consider the broader consequences of the decision and what is best for the industry in the long term. “With the benefit of hindsight, the undeniable facts that should be factored into the Minister’s decision-making are that the scrap metal export ban was not at all effective in combating infrastructure damage and the theft of scrap metal. The imposition of the export ban has caused more economic harm than good.