Wire producer objects to proposed increase in wire-rod protection

Steel wire and wire products producer Hendok, of Durban, has called on ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) to withdraw its application for protection on wire rod, warning that any increase in the cost of the key input material will result in a reduction of domestic output and further increase the importation of finished wire products from China. Wire rod is used to produce wire products that are used in a range of sectors, including construction, industry, farming and mining, as well as for fencing applications. It accounts for about 8% of steel production in South Africa.