uslatest news & developments
Oil prices have retreated from recent highs, but supply disruptions, refinery constraints and rand volatility mean relief at the pump could take longer to arrive.
FUEL PRICE

October fuel price hike: Why cheaper oil may not mean cheaper petrol

Brent crude is falling. Your petrol price isn't. Here's why.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced visa restrictions against South Africans over the country’s land reform and race-based economic policies.
FOREIGN POLICY

Visa restrictions deepen US-South Africa diplomatic rift

The issues driving the deteriorating relationship — and what it could mean for South Africa.

  • Ntsikelelo Qoyo
5 min read
International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola.
RONALD LAMOLA

South Africa pushes back on US visa curbs

The dispute is the latest front in a broader clash over race, trade and diplomacy that has seen Washington cut aid, impose tariffs, expel South Africa's ambassador and boycott a…

  • AFP
3 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
Six Nigerians (in white) were extradited to the United States of America for their alleged involvement in romance scams targeting more than 100 US women. The process was facilitated by the Hawks and INTERPOL South Africa.
ROMANCE SCAMS

Inside the alleged R100m Black Axe laundering pipeline

The victims sent the money. What happened next reveals the sophisticated network behind the scam.

  • Gcwalisile Khanyile
5 min read
Air pollution in South Africa is particularly high in the Highveld Priority Area, a highly industrialised region that includes 12 of Eskom’s coal-fired power stations, as well as metal smelters and chemical factories.
SASOLUS

Clean air is a constitutional right, but Highveld communities still face pollution

Despite repeated government commitments and new calls for cleaner industry, Highveld communities continue to face serious air pollution, health risks and weak enforcement.

  • Edward West
5 min read
Discover how the South African rand continues to demonstrate resilience against a backdrop of global economic uncertainties and evolving geopolitical tensions, potentially redefining the currency's future.
RAND

Rand trades below R16 to the dollar as weaker US currency supports gains

Discover how the South African rand continues to demonstrate resilience against a backdrop of global economic uncertainties and evolving geopolitical tensions, potentially…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
Brent Bozell III, the US Ambassador to South Africa met with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria this week.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE RELATIONS

SA caught between Trump and Tehran

Washington’s new Iran sanctions campaign widens the risk for foreign firms and sectors linked to Tehran.

  • Rapula Moatshe
  • Wendy Jasson Da Costa
7 min read
The South African rand opens the week strong at R16.01 against the weakening US dollar, buoyed by rising gold prices and upcoming economic reports that could shape market trends.
RAND

South African rand maintains strength against the US dollar

The South African rand opens the week strong at R16.01 against the weakening US dollar, buoyed by rising gold prices and upcoming economic reports that could shape market trends.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
The Strait of Hormuz remains the key risk for oil markets this week, with higher crude prices threatening to add further pressure to fuel costs and inflation.
MARKET ANALYSIS

International Energy Agency warns of global oil deficit amid Hormuz bottleneck

The Strait of Hormuz remains the key risk for oil markets this week, with higher crude prices threatening to add further pressure to fuel costs and inflation.

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read