South Africa's primary carbon and alloy steel product imports (excluding semi-finished steel, stainless steel and drawn wire) amounted to 61,137 mt in July this year, decreasing by 40.9 percent compared to June and down 38.8 percent from July 2013, according to the customs and excise data released by the South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI).

The country's primary carbon and alloy steel product imports during the first seven months of this year amounted to 558,003 mt, decreasing by 33.2 percent from 835,140 mt in the corresponding period of 2013.

Of South Africa's total primary carbon and alloy steel product imports in the first seven months of this year, 457,900 mt consisted of flat steel products, down 30.94 percent, while 100,300 mt consisted of profile steel products, down 41.72 percent, both on year-on-year basis.