January 2019

SA plants smallest maize area since worst drought South African maize farmers, who historically produce the continent’s biggest harvest, have probably planted the smallest area with the grain since the worst drought on record three years ago. Producers have covered 2.27 million hectares of ground with maize this season, 2.1% less than in 2018, Lusani […]

South Africa’s Nine Lost Years Commentary: 28 January 2019 The 1st March trade truce deadline is fast approaching. US President Trump is digging in his heels and has said he will refuse to soften his stance on intellectual property issues when trade talks with China resume at the end of this month. If the two

Wine Exports Up Despite Drought   Despite a low-yielding harvest in 2018, thanks to the drought, South African wine exports were up 4% to bring in total revenue of R9.06 billion. “The increase reflects the positive sentiments towards South African wine in international markets,” said CEO of Wines South Africa (Wosa), Siobhan Thompson. This figure

New Vehicles Sales Expected to Shrink, WesBank CEO Forecasts A stagnant economy is to blame for the 1% dip in 2019, the lowest level since 2010 New-vehicle sales are expected to shrink by 1% in 2019 to their lowest level since 2010, WesBank CEO Chris de Kock said on Thursday night.  Speaking at a motor

Foreign Direct Investment in SA Rocketed by 446% in 2018 – These were the Hottest Sectors Foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa grew by 446% to $7.1 billion in 2018. This after sharp declines in FDI since 2014. President Cyril Ramaphosa aims to attract $100 billion in FDI by 2023. Foreign direct investment into

Does Rand Depreciation Help South Africa’s Exports? In the 1930s, before the era of floating exchange rates, countries would try to gain a competitive advantage for their exports by means of ‘competitive devaluation’. This practice refers to the deliberate devaluation of a fixed exchange rate vis a vis trading partners’, in order to make exports cheaper in

Africa Set for Moderate GDP Growth Africa’s general economic performance is continuing to recover with the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth projected to accelerate to 4% in 2019 and 4.1% in 2020. However, improved macroeconomic and employment outcomes require industry to lead growth, according to the 2019 African Economic Outlook report launched by the African

Many Crises, Few Leaders Commentary: 21 January 2019              The World Economic Forum in Davos this week takes place against a backdrop of deepening gloom. We have much to contend with in 2019 – protectionism, populism, fractious international relations, a disorderly Brexit and fears over global growth. Trump is not

Trade and Investment Agency to Examine Brexit Impact As uncertainty around Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU) continues – following parliament’s vote against the move earlier this week – trade and investment organisation Wesgro is set to host a seminar with local businesses to provide the most up-to-date information on possible Brexit scenarios and

Trade Conditions to Remain Subdued Warns the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (Sacci’s) trade conditions survey for December showed that activity had improved slightly on November, if adjusted for seasonal factors, while six-month prospects remained subdued. The seasonally adjusted Trade Activity Index (TAI) was