The steel industry globally is in crisis. There is a glut of material; exports from countries such as China have surged, placing strain on steel industries in many other parts of the world. South Africa has already seen the closure of Highveld Steel and Vanadium, as well as parts of ArcelorMittal South Africa and Scaw Metals. Import protection has increased and there is the prospect of even higher safeguard duties to come. Resolving this red-hot crisis without a host of unintended consequences, especially for downstream consumers, is easier said than done.