SA mulls 50% tariffs on Chinese, Indian cars

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa is considering imposing new tariffs on cars from China and India.

It comes as cheaper Chinese models have flooded the local market, putting pressure on mostly European carmakers who are manufacturing in South Africa.

In parliament this week, it emerged that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is conducting a review to determine the impact on local manufacturing.

The Commissioner for the country's International Trade Administration Commission said that import tariffs could be as much as 50% because these are allowed by the World Trade Organisation.

Duties on imports are currently around 25%.

Government says it's still under review and would need to balance industrial protection with affordability.

Industry players in South Africa have called for protection, but they haven't asked for the 50%.