Research Unit, a firm which manufactures designer handbags, and All Women Recycling, which makes gifts and gadgets from used plastic, were the big winners at last night's Exporter of the Year competition. 19 Oct 2018
The share of internal trade in Africa remains low, as reflected by official statistics. This is despite numerous regional trade agreements that have led to tariffs removal within the trading blocs. At least in principle. 26 Sep 2018
Russia continues to be an important market for South African fresh produce, says the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (FPEF). 20 Sep 2018
Export councils are key drivers for South Africa's economic transformation and they should be supported and prioritised. This is according to Lerato Mataboge, deputy director-general for trade and investment South Africa at the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), who was addressing the two-day Export Council Quarterly Meeting that started in Pretoria this week. 24 Aug 2018
The FairPlay movement has called for a public enquiry into the fiasco that saw a zero tariff for sugar being set and gazetted in South Africa last year, which allowed importers to bring in and stockpile sugar duty-free, "and which plunged the South African industry into a crisis". 16 Jul 2018
The signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement by President Ramaphosa on 1 July, at the 31st African Union Summit in Mauritania, is considered a significant step towards increased intra-African trade and growth in regional value chains on the continent. 3 Jul 2018
Even though demand in South Africa for imported goods (think oil, vehicles, and equipment) are high regardless of price, common sense indicates that when the currency is stronger, it becomes cheaper to do so. But is there really a right time to import? 18 Jun 2018
In 2016, approx. 1.2 million tonnes of ice cream were imported worldwide, remaining stable against the previous year figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% from 2007 to 2016; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. 31 May 2018
Global cotton fabric imports totalled 2.3M tonnes in 2016, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year level. In general, cotton fabric imports continue to indicate a slight shrinkage. 29 May 2018
The African Continental Free Trade Area's (AfCFTA) potential as a tool for driving industrialisation, economic diversification and development was highlighted at the start of the UN Economic Commission for Africa's (ECA) Conference of Ministers in Addis Ababa. 15 May 2018
Given the challenging economic environment, many have dreaded the recent one percentage point increase of VAT in South Africa. And while this will have a significant impact on already under pressure households, businesses will not walk away unscathed especially those operating in the import and trade sectors. 24 Apr 2018
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) hosted its international staff meeting in South Africa, bringing producer members to the country to explore opportunities and meet potential local counterparts. The event offered U.S. producers of chicken, turkey, duck and eggs an opportunity to discover South Africa and meet historically disadvantaged individuals now joining the importer programme.
From left to right: USAPEEC President Jim Sumner and US Consul General Michael McCarthy attending a networking cocktail reception in Sandton.
Members of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council met local business and new importers during a visit to South Africa last month. 17 Apr 2018
The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) hosted its international staff meeting in South Africa, bringing producer members to the country to explore opportunities and meet potential local counterparts. 16 Apr 2018
President Paul Kagame. Image credit: Village Urugwiro via The New Times
The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (CFTA ) could enter into effect by the end of this year following signing by 44 countries yesterday at the 10th extraordinary African Union Summit. 22 Mar 2018
Demand for chicken meat is showing no signs of declining, as poultry overtakes red meat consumption in markets around the world - including the United States and South Africa. 19 Mar 2018
A new Exporter Development Programme has been launched by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, as part of an enterprise development strategy to empower business owners and companies in the region. 13 Mar 2018
Nairobi, Kenya - The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry is seeking to bridge the trade deficit between Kenya and Morocco and grow trade between the two countries. 20 Feb 2018
KIGALI, Rwanda - The long-awaited Free Trade Area (FTA) that aims to increase intra-regional trade within the continent, will be launched in March this year in Kigali, Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, said in a statement obtained on Tuesday in Kigali. 2 Feb 2018
African countries are forging ahead to complete negotiations for a continental free trade area between 55 countries by early next year. The idea, adopted by the African Union in 2012, is to create a single market which includes the free movement of goods, services and people. The integrated African market covers 1.2 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3.5 trillion. 2 Jan 2018
The shops in Mali are full of imported goods from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This, Mali's captains of industry maintain, is not necessary. Mali can produce a lot of what it consumes at home. But for that to happen, there needs to be a wholesale revival of its industrial sector. Can it be done? 29 Dec 2017
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