International Trade Administration Commission tariff investigations: An analysis of the poultry and paper cases

Abstract

This paper critically evaluates the role and performance of the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) with a focus on tariff investigations. The paper analyses ITAC’s poultry and paper tariff investigations. For both of these cases, we analyse the economic context, assess parties’ submissions and perceptions of the tariff investigation processes and outcomes, evaluate the duration of the investigation, consider the balancing of the various interests involved, and analyse ITAC’s recommendations. From these two important cases it appears that ITAC has changed its approach to tariffs in line with developments in South Africa’s trade policy. The findings also indicate that ITAC is not yet consistently meeting the stipulated tariff investigation timeframes. Possible policy implications arising from the analysis are discussed.