Options for localising steel inputs for the infrastructure build programme

> The steel value chain has been in a long-term downturn since the mid-2000s. Only the mini mills, which produce long steel, and parts of downstream manufacturing have grown. The new public infrastructure build programme, especially for electricity and rail, should support recovery by boosting domestic demand. It may, however, just fuel imports unless accompanied by policies to promote sustainable local procurement.&nbsp;This paper reviews the economic logic behind localisation and experiences in the public infrastructure push in the 2010s. It outlines the main instruments currently in place to support localisation – that is, tariffs, product designations, and support for actual and potential suppliers. An assessment of the costs, benefits and risks of these instruments follows. The final section indicates some next steps. Last modified on 05 March 2025 Published in Trade and Industry Topic: Steel industry Value Chains Related Research Industry study: International Trends in the Steel Industry | Manufacturing Industries and Subsectors Industry Study: Technological Change in the Steel Industry | Manufacturing Industries and Subsectors Localising vanadium battery production for South Africa&#039;s energy security | Green Economy A review of vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) market demand and costs | Policy Briefs Regional wool value chain | Trade and Industry More in this category: &laquo; Evaluation of the industry/sector master plan process Development of the cosmetics sector strategy in South Africa &raquo; back to top Join our newsletter Stay informed about the latest TIPS news, research and events. SIGN UP Category Search <form action="/research-archive/trade-and-industry/itemlist/filter" name="K2Fi