Tag: shipping

There has been a noticeable shift in global trade. While it might feel distant, it is already knocking on South Africa’s door. Tariffs are climbing again, fast and hard. Our research shows that the average US tariff rate has risen from around 2.4 percent at the end of 2024 to 29 percent today. That is the highest level in over a century.

We have helped transform businesses across multiple industries by solving their unique integration challenges. In shipping, we worked with a client who struggled with siloed systems. Their booking system, inventory tracker, port logistics and billing all operated independently. This caused delays and frequent errors.

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.

The findings of PwC’s inaugural Voice of the Consumer Survey highlight changing attitudes toward responsibly sourced and eco-friendly goods. Released in May 2024, the findings are based on 15 years of research and insights from over 20,000 shoppers in 31 countries. 46% of respondents reported buying more sustainable products to reduce their personal environmental impact. These evolving attitudes have caught the attention of South African e-commerce businesses, given the growth of online shopping.

As Black Friday approaches, millions of consumers prepare for one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The excitement of discounts and limited-time deals drives online shopping. However, this also creates an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit the surge in activity.

According to estimates by our experts, the average share of spam in global email traffic in 2023 was 45.60%. This deluge of unwanted emails not only clogs up inboxes, but also consumes a significant amount of time and resources. On average, each year, employees spend between 5 and 18 hours sorting through spam, and when scaled to an organisation with hundreds of employees, this translates into huge amounts of lost productivity. Yet, the wasted time is just the tip of the iceberg.

For any business involved in local or global trade, a robust supply chain is key to sustainable success. The simple reality is that trade disruptions come in many forms, from natural disasters and geopolitical crises, to trade conflicts and even pandemics; and in all these scenarios, a strong supply chain is required to keep a business running, avoid losses, and retain its edge over the competition.

Following the events of October last year, the situation in the Middle East has become increasingly volatile. In April, Israeli forces attacked the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing most of the Quds Force leadership. The Quds Force is part of the Iranian National Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which deals with Iran’s overseas activities and its relationships with its proxy forces in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.

Detective Isaac Bell battles foreign spies, German U-boats, and an old nemesis to capture a secret technology that could alter the outcome of World War I in the latest adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Clive Cussler.

If you’re in the business of importing or exporting, you will be acutely aware of the current pains caused by global supply chain problems. With the help of expert advice, there are several steps you can take to protect your business.