Two matters related to manufacturing, subsidies and tariffs caught my eye this week. One was the South African government signing a bill that gives 150% import subsidies for electric (EV) and hydrogen powered vehicles if they're manufactured in the country. The other story, which is receiving a lot of attention in the mainstream media, is ArcelorMittal closing its Newcastle plant, bringing to an end steel long-steel production in the country because, AM complained, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition had not imposed tariffs on imported steel, Chinese in particular. First car manufacturing. Australia no longer has a car manufacturing industry because it cost too much. Their economy is over four times SA's and they found it unsustainable. South Africa's R34 billion a year in subsidies to manufacturers is ridiculous given the size of the industry and its contribution to economy. And we don't benefit from cheaper vehicles - we pay import parity prices. Conseq...