South Africa’s automotive industry is not calling for sharp increases in vehicle import duties, despite growing concern over rising imports, BMW South Africa’s chief executive said. The comments were made amid discussions on reviewing automotive policy and were reported by Reuters.
BMW South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen, who also heads the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), said the industry was not pushing for duties to be raised to the 50% ceiling allowed under World Trade Organization rules. “No one’s asking for that from the industry side,” he said, warning that such a move could disrupt the market, according to Reuters.
Van Binsbergen said manufacturers instead support targeted adjustments within existing policy frameworks, particularly the Automotive Production and Development Programme, to strengthen local manufacturing without sharply raising costs for consumers. He cautioned that steep duty hikes could hurt affordability and demand.
South Africa has lost its position as Africa’s largest vehicle producer to Morocco in recent years, increasing pressure on policymakers to support domestic production. Industry leaders say clearer and more balanced policy measures are needed to boost competitiveness and investment without relying on punitive trade barriers.
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