Patel Trades Up
Over the past year, trade, industry & competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has taken four decisions that will help shift South Africa’s use of trade measures in a less protectionist direction – all to the benefit of the consumer.
No new duty on Chinese greens
Trade, industry & competition minister Ebrahim Patel has rejected an application by local frozen foods producer Nature’s Garden for a near threefold increase in customs duties on frozen mixed vegetables imported mainly from China.
Feathers fly as Agoa poultry debate intensifies
The South Africa’s poultry industry yesterday said that contrary to speculation on the country’s potential loss of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Agreement (Agoa), the local sector would benefit from the stoppage of 72 000 tons of chicken into the market.
Fashion’s tax dodge tactics
The fast fashion business model poses new challenges to South Africa’s tax and tariff regime, as seen in the case of China’s low-cost apparel supplier Shein, says Ayabonga Cawe, chief commissioner at the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC).
PPC eyes reinstating dividend
Cement giant PPC is charging ahead with slashing debt and edging closer to resuming dividend payouts, last paid in November 2015.
Scrap metal export ban extended
The government has extended its temporary ban on the export of scrap and waste metal for another six months, trade, industry & competition minister Ebrahim Patel said, as it battles to curb metal infrastructure theft.
No proof scrap metal export ban is reducing theft
The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has said there is no solid evidence that the ban on the export of copper waste as well as scrap and semi-finished metals has been effective in curbing theft which that has caused immense damage to South Africa’s infrastructure and economy.
ITAC imposes anti-dumping duties on frozen French fries
The commission has finally announced definitive tariffs on frozen French fry imports to prevent dumping and protect South Africa’s farmers and processors. It’s great news for South African potato producers but for importers, not so much.
DTIC calls for comments on scrap metal export ban
DTIC calls for comments on proposal to extend prohibition of exports of certain waste, scrap metal.
Ebrahim Patel faced with BRICS juggling act after ITAC recommends Anti-Dumping penalties
The International Trade Administration Commission has called on Patel to impose heavy anti-dumping duties on SA’s Brics partners China and India. Trade, industry & competition minister Ebrahim Patel will have a tough juggling act to perform when he considers the recommendations of the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) to impose heavy anti-dumping duties on SA’s Brics partners China and India.