# Sappi calls for state protection from cheap imports

> Sappi CEO Steve Binnie welcomed a provisional 21% safeguard duty on imported A3 and A4 office paper, introduced after a domestic industry application, but said tariffs alone would not restore competitiveness. Sappi also called for improvements to ports, rail infrastructure, electricity costs and regulation, and has sought protection for newsprint imports.

- Date: 2026-11-07 · published 2026-11-07T12:10:22.457Z
- Category: trade · region South Africa · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/85906-sappi-calls-for-state-protection-from-cheap-imports
- Commodities: [South African Rand (ZAR per USD)](https://feedsoft.ai/c/USDZAR.md)

## Why it matters

The safeguard duty may curb paper imports and support local producers, while logistics and energy constraints remain obstacles to domestic competitiveness. The measures concern paper products and do not plausibly move the listed feed or agricultural commodities.

## Sources

- timeslive.co.za: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/business/2026-11-07-sappi-calls-for-state-protection-from-cheap-imports/

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.