The level of activity in the local stainless steel sectorâs value chain has dwindled in the past decade, mainly owing to international competition, low steel prices and the slow growth of the local economy.
Therefore, steel industry body the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) does not expect 2020 to be a year of substantial growth for the local stainless steel market.
Meanwhile, the association believes that stainless steel remains the most cost-effective solution in many applications and will remain a growing and competitive material in several markets.
Sassda assists in this regard by liaising with the government, developing new markets, training and education, as well as the relevant technical assistance.
Subsequently, the skills and training requirements in the stainless steel sector are rapidly changing to adjust to the demands of moving into Industry 4.0.
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition developed an elaborate Steel Plan by the end of 2019.
Although the plan may not lead to substantial growth, the current cooperation between government and industry can have a âpositive effectâ? in mitigating the stumbling blocks to sustainable growth in the stainless steel industry.
