March 2025

31 March 2025 – South Africa saw 140 more liquidations in February 2025, taking the total for the year up to 246 so far. While the number of liquidations was up slightly compared to February 2024, the first two months of 2025 have been marginally better than the year before. Stats SA’s tracking of liquidations […]

24 March 2025 – Positive news is rare these days, so it is essential to highlight encouraging developments when we notice them. One piece of good news is that South Africa’s agricultural production conditions are improving, bolstering our long-held belief in a better season ahead. We have been stating for some time that this will

19 March 2025 – Credit ratings agencies have warned that South Africa’s national government debt will stabilise higher in relation to gross domestic product (GDP) than anticipated by the National Treasury during the 2025 Budget tabled last week.  This comes as the gross government debt is projected to reach R5.69 trillion or 76.1% of gross

17 March 2025 – US President Donald Trump’s protectionist trade policies will likely boost demand for credit insurance as firms grapple with non-payment threats, experts predict. In its latest Export Credit Business Confidence Trends Index, the Berne Union industry association reveals credit and political risk insurers are anticipating a jump in demand for short-term policies. The

14 March 2025 – Airfreight exports have dipped in the first few months of the year compared to 2024, as subdued market conditions persist. This decline comes as the sea freight sector has seen an improvement in operations, leading to increased volumes moving by ocean. According to Jacob Pretorius, general manager for airfreight at SACO

13 March 2025 – The Ctrack Transport and Freight Index (Ctrack TFI) declined for eight consecutive months to reach an index level of 112.8 in January, the lowest level since December 2022. This decline resembles the strain experienced amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, when the economy slumped into a deep recession. At this level, the index is 5% below a

12 March 2025 – South Africa’s chairing of the Group of 20 (G20) also means the country leads the G20 business forum, the B20. The G20 comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, the UK, and the US) and

10 March 2025 – South Africa has advanced to 23rd place in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, reflecting notable progress in international logistics opportunities and digital transformation initiatives, the latest Cargo Movement Update reports. This climb signals growing confidence in the country’s ability to facilitate efficient supply chain operations in a rapidly evolving global

7 March 2025 – The South African logistics industry finds itself at a critical juncture, balancing persistent infrastructure and operational inefficiencies with a drive towards greater efficiency, digitalisation and stakeholder collaboration. As the sector works to strengthen resilience and optimise trade logistics, ongoing regulatory changes and industry-wide reforms provide both challenges and opportunities. Dr Juanita