Strategic engagement with the dtic and trade support for local paper producers

A visit to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) at the end of 2024 culminated in a strategic session with the dtic’s Resources Sector Desk and a meeting with the then Acting Director-General, Malema Mabitjie Thompson. This initial engagement paved the way for a sector strategy session, held in early 2025, with valuable input from PAMSA members and PwC.

One of the central issues discussed was the ongoing challenge posed by low-priced paper imports. Mondi has had a long-standing application for increased tariffs on A4 copier paper –a move that PAMSA fully supports. While local production can meet domestic demand, the sector continues to face unfair competition from imports sold in South Africa at prices below those in their countries of origin. Tariffs and the growing body of evidence pointing to dumping practices remain central to industry discussions across multiple product categories.

The strategy session, hosted at PAMSA’s offices on 4 March 2025, helped to discuss priority areas where dtic policies, incentive mechanisms, and support from the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) could assist the industry.

Following this session, the Deputy Director-General requested a sector-specific strategy document outlining the key challenges and opportunities facing the pulp and paper sector—marking a positive step toward greater alignment and industry support.