Trade & Policy
TNPA separation could reshape port investment for South Africa’s fresh produce exports
South Africa’s fresh produce exporters could benefit from a major structural change in the country’s port system after Cabinet backed the separation of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) from Transnet.
AGOA extension gives South African exporters breathing room, but tariffs still limit the benefit
The extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to the end of 2028 gives South African agricultural exporters greater certainty in the US market, but it does not remove the additional tariffs currently affecting many products.
Global trade disruption creates new export opportunities for South African agriculture
Shifting global trade relationships are creating new openings for South African agriculture, but taking advantage of them will require faster market-access negotiations, stronger trade agreements and more reliable logistics at home.
Agrico and Absa launch finance option for centre pivot irrigation systems
South African farmers looking to upgrade irrigation infrastructure will have access to a new financing option through a partnership between Agrico and Absa AgriBusiness.
Ramaphosa targets 2.5 million hectares for new black farmers as industry partnerships gain focus
Government plans to release about 2.5 million hectares of state-owned agricultural land to black farmers, but President Cyril Ramaphosa says access to land will need to be matched by training, finance and stronger links into established agricultural value chains.
China’s zero-tariff framework starts lowering costs for South African exporters
South African exporters are already seeing tangible savings under China’s new zero-tariff framework, with early shipments of apples, wine and cut flowers clearing customs at lower cost.
Farmers must reregister for SARS diesel refunds under new digital system
South African farmers who claim diesel refunds will need to register again under SARS’s new standalone Diesel Refund Registration System, even if they are already registered under the existing VAT-linked process.
SA fruit exporters urged to be ‘compliance fit’ as China opportunities expand
South African fruit exporters need to be “compliance fit” if they want to convert new market-access opportunities into sustainable trade, industry leaders told delegates at the SIZA Conference in Paarl.
Imported substrate costs squeeze South Africa’s high-value horticulture sector
Rising costs for imported growing substrates are adding fresh pressure to South Africa’s high-value horticulture sector, particularly in production systems that depend on tightly managed root-zone conditions.