Tag: export

When most people think of Africa-China trade, they often picture cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen. However, one of the biggest drivers of this relationship is not a coastal megacity. It is a landlocked province you have likely never heard of before. Hunan Province, located in central China, has emerged as the country’s strategic hub for expanding trade with Africa.

South African import and export businesses operate in a challenging environment. This is due to potentially significant tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. To help navigate these complex trade policies, we offer practical advice for local businesses. These insights will become vital if the tariffs take full effect.

There is a new sheriff in town. Global investors have been digesting the change in policy direction after President Trump’s return to the White House. In contrast to his first term, actions on the trade front have been a policy priority and the rules of the game are changing.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) increases customs duties for online retail orders as part of a broader strategy to promote local businesses and address global supply chain imbalances. The clothing and textile industry has faced widescale criticism for controversial environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. South African consumers may imagine themselves to be far from the hub of these issues. However, we are all participants in the global supply and demand for fashion.

Following a challenging 2023, South Africa’s manufacturing sector must prioritise digital transformation, cost reduction and reskilling to drive growth. South Africa boasts a well-developed manufacturing sector. In 2023, the sector in its entirety provided more than 1.6 million jobs and accounted for 13.0% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP).

An interview with Dr Greg Cline, Head Corporate Accounts, Investec Import Solutions, and Dr Ivor Blumenthal, CEO, ArkKonsult, discussing timing in relation to importing. Common sense indicates that when the currency is stronger, it becomes cheaper to import. But, if we consider that the trade market changes constantly and that there are a number of factors that affect the sector – beyond currency fluctuations, is there really a right time to import?

The first quarter GDP growth of 2019 for South Africa announced 4 June, and it is once again a negative number. The numbers are showing that the South African economy contracted 3.2% year on year, following a 1.4% growth in the previous period. It was the sharpest decline in the GDP since the first quarter of 2009, as output declined sharply in manufacturing, mining, agriculture and utilities.

When is right? Common sense indicates that when the currency is stronger, it becomes cheaper to import. But, if we consider that the trade market changes constantly and that there are a number of factors that affect the sector – beyond currency fluctuations, is there really a right time to import?

The paper Bill of Lading has been the foremost shipping document for centuries, and even today is all pervasive.  Around 90% of international trade takes...

"Significant amounts of lost revenue and foreign exchange earnings to the state due to trade misinvoicing (underinvoicing and overinvoicing) have devastating implications for African countries - most of which are commodity dependent,” says Prof Charles Adjasi, head of the Development Finance programmes of the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB).