Isuzu Motors South Africa says high tariffs and cross-border costs make intra-African trade more expensive than exports beyond the continent, urging faster implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area

Greater tariffs are expected on imports of completely built-up vehicles but BMW CEO says 50% could have unintended consequences

The latest data for the third quarter shows that South Africa’s agricultural exports totalled US$4.7 billion, up from 13% from the same period a year ago

A draft export exemption aims to enable exporters to collaborate legally

Donald Trump’s ‘solution’ to South Africa avoiding the tariff hike – move production to the US – is nothing more than economic blackmail

The Trump factor, plus the ANC and the DA playing to the brink, has cost the country R1 trillion

Forging ties with other markets as they navigate trade wars with the US is a wise strategy.

The Chinese agricultural market is enormous, with more than $200 billion in imports annually.

Livestock disease such as foot-and-mouth has been brought under control in most provinces through strengthened farm biosecurity controls and surveillance

The government and private sector’s efforts in boosting agriculture in various regions of South Africa must be matched with the same drive to expand export market

As well as finding new markets, the country should focus on nurturing existing ones

Despite this drop, trade figures remain encouraging, but various departments need to address policy and other issues to boost exports

The country can grow its commercial services offerings, particularly business, financial, intellectual property, telecommunication, computer and information services, and insurance and pension services

Delegates from 40 African countries are in Durban to strengthen the agreement to boost intra-African trade

Beneficiation growth, decent work, penalties for companies that violate labour laws and ensuring multinational companies pay taxes in Africa are among the issues unions will raise