Tag: import

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 pivotal role of digital accessibility for goods and services has become abundantly clear over the past few years. The global economy, now more than ever, relies on the seamless flow of transactions across borders. Whether it involves individuals, businesses, or financial institutions spanning different countries, the realm of cross-border payments has taken center stage in our interconnected world.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced that it will impose a 45% import tax on goods that cost R500 or less, imported from China through online retailers such as Shein and Temu. Unions and businesses praise this as a ‘levelling of the playing field’, but for the consumer it simply translates to higher prices.

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).

"With several economists of the opinion that the price of petrol and the fuel levy will continue to rise this year, the knock-on impact...

An anticipated increase in demand for goods and services within Africa has the potential to give innovative companies with turnovers of between R300 million...