February 2026

27 February 2026 – Unpacking Budget 2026, debt stabilisation is projected as expected this year, and gross debt is expected to peak at 78.9%of gross domestic product (GDP) in the current tax year, then drop below 75%/GDP in five years’ time as expected. Revenue lifted by R29bn, withdrawing the R20bn tax proposal for 2026/27l, and […]

26 February 2026 – Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng witnessed preparations for the inaugural shipment on Thursday at the Freshness First Packhouse in Franschhoek. The consignment comprises 20,000 cartons of premium plums, largely from the African Delight and Ruby Star varieties, underscoring South Africa’s ambitions to expand its footprint in Asia’s

25 February 2026 – In early 2026, global trade watchers were shaken by a series of dramatic developments in United States (US) and South Africa (SA) economic relations. These included a major ruling by the Supreme Court of the US that struck down key parts of President Donald Trump’s tariff regime, followed almost immediately by

24 February 2026 – The International Monetary Fund (IMF), as part of its yearly consultation with South Africa, has found that its economy has proven resilient thus far, owing to natural endowments, independent institutions and a strong monetary policy framework. It warns, however, that the country also faces downside risks and entrenched structural impediments that

23 February 2026 – Tariffs imposed on South African agricultural products by the US are spiking the price of South African wine in the world’s biggest market, making it less competitive and reducing export volumes. The price of South African wine is about 17 percentage points more expensive in the US relative to other imports

19 February 2026 – South Africa recorded 1,534 closures in 2025 – down 1.1% from the 1,551 closures in 2024. One in four liquidations are due to unpaid debt; 80% of businesses struggle to recover unpaid debts. In 2026, business insolvencies are expected to rise slightly again, against a backdrop of gradually easing financing costs. Behind

18 February 2026 – The recent US decision to impose reciprocal tariffs has significant implications for SACU, a regional bloc consisting of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. These trade measures, initiated by President Donald Trump in April 2025, form part of a wider effort to rectify what the US government perceives as unfair

  17 February 2026 – South Africa’s GDP growth is expected to slightly accelerate to +1.3% in 2026 and +1.5% in 2027, after a slower-than expected +1.1% in 2025. Last year was challenging, given the budget disagreements within the Government of National Unity, as well as the implementation of 35% tariffs from the US. South

16 February 2026 – South African agricultural exports hit an annual record of $15.1 billion in 2025, even as sales to the US slumped in the second half. The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa attributed the 10% rise in shipments from the previous year to higher volumes and prices. US tariffs on some goods

13 February 2026 – Coface South Africa’s latest analysis, “The US Dollar bends but does not break,” highlights that the US dollar’s recent weakness is set to continue through 2026. This trend, while rooted in global economic shifts, carries significant implications for South African businesses and the broader economy. Dollar depreciation: Broadly beneficial for emerging