11 May 2026 – South African organisations are facing a more challenging operating environment after the International Monetary Fund lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% from 3.3% and raised its global inflation outlook to 4.4%. The IMF has warned that conflict-driven increases in oil, gas and fertiliser costs are intensifying pressure across the global economy. Specialist […]

7 May 2026 – Growing exports remains a key priority for the Western Cape, as the region looks to unlock new markets, strengthen trade resilience and drive economic growth. According to Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, it is critical for the province to drive exports from a regional level with export-led growth firmly positioned as

6 May 2026: Global business insolvencies are set to rise by 6% this year, on the back of a 6% rise in 2025, which would result in the fifth consecutive year of growing insolvencies, before plateauing at a high level in 2027, says trade credit insurance company Allianz Trade. However, a prolonged conflict in the Middle East

4 May 2025 – South African business sentiment edged lower in March as global geopolitical instability, particularly in the Middle East, began to exert greater pressure on domestic financial and trade conditions. The latest Business Confidence Index (BCI) released by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) on Tuesday showed a decline of 3.3 points,

30 April 2026 – South Africa’s agricultural sector is entering its next cycle amid exceptionally high levels of global uncertainty. Although the industry has shown resilience in recent years, performing strongly despite logistical challenges and biological threats which is a combination of geopolitical instability, escalating energy costs and mounting climate risks is reshaping the environment

29 April 2026 – Multiple major Chinese ports have recently launched direct shipping routes with African countries as China-Africa trade ties deepen, with zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China expected to take effect on May 1. The launch of more direct shipping routes will further boost bilateral trade, offering

28 April 2026 – After nearly two decades of weak growth, declining investment and rising structural constraints, South Africa faced a narrow window in which decisive reforms could determine whether it escaped long‑term stagnation or remained trapped in low growth. To unpack these dynamics, trade credit risk management company, Coface South Africa hosted a live

23 April 2026 – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the global economy faces recession if the conflict in the Middle East continues—with energy-importing countries like South Africa at even greater risk. In a report published last week, IMF economists warned that a longer or broader conflict could significantly weaken growth and destabilise

21 April 2026 – Global disruptions are reshaping cargo flows, with freight forwarders increasingly turning to consolidation as volatility in lead times and freight rates intensifies. According to Michelle Horner, trade and WWA manager at SACO Shipping, ongoing disruption across trade lanes is driving a shift in shipping behaviour, with clients opting for smaller, more

21 April 2026 – The Western Cape fruit industry is moving to address a long-standing structural gap: the absence of locally based manufacturing for packhouse equipment. For decades, grading systems, conveyor lines and related technology have largely been imported. The establishment of a production facility in Paarl signals a shift in how packhouses may source,