SA introduces anti-dumping duties on imported large washing machines
This move targets large automatic top-load washing machines from China and Thailand to curb their dumped imports, which are harmful to the local industry.
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa has introduced provisional anti-dumping duties on imported fully automatic large top-load washing machines from China and Thailand.
These duties were imposed following an investigation by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC), prompted by a request from Defy Appliances, the largest local producer of these machines.
The anti-dumping duties range between 8% and 67.11% and will apply for six months starting from July 18, 2025, while ITAC continues its final determination process.
The investigation found that washing machines with a dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg but less than 17 kg imported from China and Thailand were being dumped into the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market.
Dumping refers to the practice of exporting products at prices lower than their normal value, which can harm domestic industries.
This dumping led to a decline in sales volumes, productivity, and growth for Defy and the South African washing machine industry by causing price undercutting and price suppression.
The provisional duties imposed by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), at Itac’s request, are emergency measures intended to prevent further material injury to local producers while the ongoing anti-dumping investigation is completed.
The rates are specific to the sources of imports and aim to level the playing field for the local industry, thereby sustaining its competitiveness in the domestic market.
These measures reflect South Africa’s commitment to protecting its manufacturing sector from unfair trade practices such as dumping, which can distort local markets and disadvantage domestic producers.
The intervention aims to restore fair competition and support local enterprise growth in the washing machine manufacturing sector.
The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) reported a sharp rise in dumped imports, noting an 8% increase in 2023, followed by a further surge to 31% in 2024.
This move comes at a time when the market for washing machines in South Africa is undergoing a notable transformation, driven by growing demand for energy-efficient appliances, urban household expansion, and regulatory pressure favoring local manufacturing.
According to a report by Statista, South Africa’s washing machine market is projected to hit US$281 million in revenue by 2025, with sales volume climbing toward 656,860 units by 2030, as front-load and smart models continue to gain consumer favor amidst steady annual growth of 6.66%.
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