SOUTH AFRICA NEWSPRINT TARIFF SET AT 5 % ON IMPORTS

What happened: South Africa's 5% newsprint tariff took effect Friday 16 October 2026, applied by the South African Revenue Service under Itac Report 784. It covers newsprint in rolls or sheets, which previously entered duty free. Key numbers: Duty is 5%, up from zero. Itac review after three years. Why it matters: The duty protects Sappi's Ngodwana Mill, which Sappi calls the region's only newsprint plant, and raises landed costs for foreign suppliers. Trade Minister Parks Tau has told Itac to investigate the whole paper and paper products sector.

South Africa's 5% newsprint tariff took effect Friday 16 October 2026, applied by the South African Revenue Service under Itac Report 784. It covers newsprint in rolls or sheets, which previously entered duty free.

The duty protects Sappi's Ngodwana Mill, which Sappi calls the region's only newsprint plant, and raises landed costs for foreign suppliers. Trade Minister Parks Tau has told Itac to investigate the whole paper and paper products sector.