tradelatest news & developments
National Foods in Zimbabwe has lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Competition Commission over surging imports of pasta products from South Africa.
ZIMBABWE

Tiger Brands unit wants SA pasta exports to Zimbabwe curbed

Zimbabwe has launched a safeguard investigation into rising pasta imports from South Africa and five other countries after National Foods raised concerns about injury to local…

  • Tawanda Karombo
2 min read
Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Zuko Godlimpi said South Africa must build local digital capabilities, skills and enterprises to ensure technology supports industrialisation, job creation and inclusive growth.
GOVTECH

Godlimpi calls for digital transformation to drive inclusive economic growth

Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Zuko Godlimpi says South Africa must build local digital capabilities, skills and enterprises to ensure technology supports…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
A Rooibos twist on one of Japan’s best-loved dishes. Ramen is a deeply rooted part of Japanese food culture, with countless regional variations enjoyed across the country. Here, Rooibos finds its way into the bowl, adding a distinctive South African touch to a kombu-and-shiitake dashi, while also being used to marinate the egg.
ROOIBOS

Rooibos goes beyond the teacup as global markets embrace a South African heritage product

Rooibos is reaching more than 50 international markets, with chefs and consumers turning the South African favourite into everything from ramen and lattes to cocktails, desserts…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Trade Minister Parks Tau says South Africa needs a stronger manufacturing and engineering base to achieve economic growth and create jobs, as government support helps Brimis Engineering expand in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
MANUFACTURING

Tau says stronger manufacturing base is essential for South Africa’s growth

Trade Minister Parks Tau says South Africa needs a stronger manufacturing and engineering base to expand economic growth and job creation, as government support helps Brimis…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
South Africa’s trade conditions are showing tentative signs of recovery after being battered by the surge in fuel prices earlier this year, but rising crude oil prices and higher fuel costs could put renewed pressure on businesses in the months ahead.
TRADE

Trade improves, but the pressure is not over

South African businesses are starting to see some relief — but the next pressure point may already be building.

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
US President Donald Trump announced that he is renaming Lake Ontario -- a large body of water shared by the United States and Canada -- "Lake America." Trump signed an order in the White House in a move that comes amid a spiraling trade war between the world's largest economy and its northern neighbor.
US

New US tariffs, exemptions take effect on Canadian goods

The latest amendments change the mix of Canadian products impacted by 50 percent US duties, and senior US officials maintained that the tariffs only apply to a small amount of…

  • AFP
2 min read
A recent FairPlay Movement webinar examined the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, (AGOA) US tariff policy and the implications for South African citrus and poultry exporters that came as US President Donald Trump recently signed into extension AGOA to December 2028.
AGOA

AGOA uncertainty leaves South African exporters planning for a tougher US trade environment

A FairPlay webinar has warned that South African exporters face continued uncertainty in the US market as tariffs, AGOA’s limited renewal and the prospect of policy changes after…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
The much-anticipated BRICS Summit, New Delhi starts today. Leaders of some of the BRICS countries ariived yesterday and today with SA President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to attend as issues of trade, diplomacy and cooperation become a focal point.
BRICS 2026

BRICS leaders gather in India as wars and rivalries test bloc’s unity

BRICS is bigger than ever. But can it agree on anything?

  • AFP
2 min read
The Jaecoo J5 has been confirmed as one of the vehicles that Chery Group will build in South Africa.
TRADE

South Africa must turn Chinese investment interest into factories and jobs

South Africa’s weak manufacturing performance makes Chinese investment an opportunity—but only if it creates local suppliers, skills, factories and sustainable jobs rather than…

  • Lauren Patlansky
3 min read
South Africa’s latest economic data delivered mixed signals, with manufacturing confidence weakening while tourism and new vehicle sales improved. The rand remained relatively stable despite higher oil prices and global inflation concerns.
PMI

Sunday review: Rand holds firm as SA data paints mixed picture of economy

South Africa’s latest economic data delivered mixed signals, with manufacturing confidence weakening while tourism and new vehicle sales improved.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
5 min read
The South African government hosted the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum recently where Zimbabwe was highlighted as a key export destination for South African agriculture with over $1 billion (approximately R16 billion) in exports recorded in 2025.
ZIMBABWE

Exploring Zimbabwe's role as a key export market for South African agriculture

At the recent South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum, agricultural experts discussed the vital role Zimbabwe plays as a key export market for South Africa's…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read