ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) urged urgent government intervention to prevent the closure of its longs business, which could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs. In November 2023, AMSA warned of potential job cuts as challenges in the steel market forced it to consider winding down operations. The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) estimated that 3,500 jobs would be lost.

However, AMSA reversed its decision in July 2024, stating the business would remain open, but only if key interventions were made, including removing the export tax on scrap, adjusting the Price Preference System (PPS), and addressing logistics and energy costs.

The company reported a significant loss for the third quarter, with an EBITDA loss of R466 million, primarily driven by the longs business. AMSA stressed that without urgent action, the entire business's viability is at risk.