Its multifaceted approach for 2024 encompasses key initiatives to combat illicit trade, foster local manufacturing, prepare for the future of the industry, address skills development and enhance environmental sustainability in the local tyre sector.

In 2023, the SATMC successfully advocated for the imposition of anti-dumping duties on unfairly traded imports of passenger, truck and bus tyres from China. This year will see a focus on monitoring the impact of this intervention.

SATMC Managing Executive, Ndu Chala, said a key initiative is the Illicit Trade Tyre Forum, established in partnership with the Tyres, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA), and the South African Freight Forwarders Association (SAAFF).

The forum convenes monthly and has intensified efforts to combat misdeclaration of tyre consignments and the rerouting of imports through neighbouring countries to evade tyre duties, environmental levies and permits. The tyre forum is taking a hard stance against smuggling, under-invoicing and the use of illegitimate freight forwarders bringing illicitly traded tyres into the country.

“We want to make it clear that only trade with ethical companies can protect the future of this sector,” Ndu says. “We are proposing an industry pledge, starting with our four local tyre manufacturers – Bridgestone Southern Africa, Continental Tyre South Africa, Goodyear South Africa and Sumitomo Rubber South Africa – and extending to dealers, to ensure ethical practices from sourcing to distribution. The illicit trading of tyres has severe repercussions on jobs, plant capacity planning and the integrity of our industry, as well as consumer safety."

Quarterly meetings with the SARS Tyre Forum facilitate reporting of suspected illicit activity for investigation by SARS. Recognising the significance of porous ports and harbours as entry points for illicitly traded tyres, the SATMC also intends exploring a partnership with Transnet to address these vulnerabilities.

The SATMC’s Homegrown #DrivingLocal initiative launched in 2023 underscores the importance of supporting locally manufactured tyres. This campaign aims to create awareness among consumers of the benefits of choosing South African-made tyres, emphasising quality, job creation and economic contribution.

Pending the finalisation of the Waste Tyre Management Plan, the SATMC is actively collaborating with the Waste Management Bureau and SAPS Law Enforcement. The SANS 1633 Standard is expected to be issued by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in Q2 (March to June) to address tyre mutilation and dealer responsibility.

“As the SATMC, we have been advocating strongly on having a clear road map in place to drive improvements and sustainability in both the collection and processing of tyre waste. This initiative involves collaborative efforts with tyre dealers to promote proper storage practices for waste tyres. Simultaneously, the SATMC is actively exploring commercial opportunities for waste tyres, aiming to foster enterprise development and job creation within a circular economy,” he says.