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Volume 2 | Number 3
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From the Editor
Dear Exporters
It's been some time since our last newsletter and we apologise for this. The reality is that we have experienced a lousy number of months. |
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No, the financial crisis has not hit us as yet (although I could always do with some more income - can't we all). We've just been clobbered by a few personal curve balls that have upset the smooth running of the Bothma household and these have resulted in us taking our eye off the export-newsletter ball (much like the Springboks took their eye off the rugby ball this past weekend in Australia). However, we hope that these personal challenges are now behind us and that we are now back on track (and we hope the Springboks do much better in NZ).
From an export point of view, it is interesting to note that the OECD predicts that the global recovery has begun (see the article below). I'm sure that there are many businesses that would challenge this assertion. Nevertheless, if this is true, it would be most welcome. Economists are also talking about the possibility that the recession in the US is a V-recession, versus the more traditional U-recession (read the Time Online article).
A U-recession is one with an extended 'bottom' - there is a decline, a longish trough, followed by a slow recovery. A V-recession, on the other hand, has a relatively quick decline, followed by an equally quick recovery (there is even discussion of W- and L-recessions - click here to read more about these different types of recessions). Unfortunately, I can't say with certain which it will be, but as exporters you should be prepared for any recovery if it does come as soon as is expected - you wouldn't want to lose out to your competition that are poised to react faster that you are!
Hope you find the newsletter interesting.
Regards
Neels Bothma
Editor |
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Introducing Italy
Italy is one of South Africa's leading trading partners. This has been the case for the past five years and in 2001 Italy was the 6th largest trading partner of South Africa. South Africa's main exports to Italy are gold and coal, and also include laminated iron and steel, machines, non-electrical appliances, hides and skins, fruit, granite and wool. South African imports from Italy consist mainly of machine tools, office and other electronic equipment, industrial machinery and telecommunications equipment.
In recent years, the number of bilateral visits by business and government delegations has increased significantly and it is expected that these visits will further strengthen the strong foundation upon which economic relations are based.
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs
Learn more about Italy |
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The South African Textile Industry Export Council
The South African Textile Industry Export Council (SATIEC) was founded to facilitate the export of South African textiles to world markets. National textile exporters currently produce a diverse range of end products: from fibres, yarns, apparel and fabrics through to advanced home and technical textiles. The industry is the number one global supplier of sewing thread nylon (bet you didn't know that); supplies 20% of the world's parachute fabrics; and is an acknowledged manufacturer of apparel and home textiles. Strong industrial and financial infrastructures, technological focus, and excellent port and air facilities, have made the SA Textile Industry the preferred supplier for many international clients. To learn more about this export council, click here to visit their website.
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Doing business in ... Israel |
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On the dti website, under the heading 'South African trade by country', Israel is ranked 19th.
Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics reports that Israel's imports from South Africa, excluding diamonds, totalled U.S.$ 292.5 million C.I.F during 2004 compared to U.S.$ 288.0 million C.I.F in 2003.
Source: South African Embassy in Israel
Israel therefor represents a serious target market for South African exporters. In order to assist you in evaluating Israel as a target market, we have identified the following links on doing business with Israel. Don't forget to visit our sister site at www.countryhelp.co.za
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The Israeli Trade & Economic Office has been reopened in Johannesburg
The Israeli Trade & Economic Office is now also producing a newsletter containing a wealth of information on trade matters relating to South Africa and Israel. In their newsletter they state:
"Although we have been active for a few months already, having a newsletter is a good opportunity to show you what we do and what we are here for. Representing the most advanced technological companies in various areas, the Trade and Economic office of Israel to South Africa aims to improve the trade relations between the two countries. We see ourselves as the bridge between Israeli and South African companies. Even in today’s globalised world no vendor can operate without a local partner with a strong familiarity of the market. No local player can compete without access to the newest technologies. We thus strive to mediate this relationship. The Trade and Economic office is a match-maker of business opportunities. This newsletter aims to reveal the very latest technological breakthroughs from Israel. We now give you a glimpse into ‘the world of tomorrow". |
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The Israeli Trade & Economic Office can be contacted on johannesburg@israeltrade.gov.il ;
Tel 011 783 9605
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E-marketplaces - for the plastics industry
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Exports: The mysterious case of automation versus outsourcing
A case study from Siyakhanda International Trade Concepts (Pty) Ltd |
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Exports remain a complicated process, and especially so in the competitive environment that exporters operate in. Many, if not most companies, still handle their export administration on a manual basis. Is this still the best way to go? The attached article may provide you with some food for though and discusses the merits of automating the export process.
In evaluating this case,the following had to be considered: |
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Poland's ambitious goals
Poland wants to make itself the sixth largest economy in Europe (from ninth now) by 2030. That would push it ahead of Sweden and Belgium, based on current rankings. This objective should definitely bring Poland onto your export radar screens. ExportHelp will focus on Poland in one of our forthcoming newsletters. Click here to read the article by Michael Booker.
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Recovery arriving quicker than expected but activity will remain weak, says OECD
The OECD announced on 3 September that the recovery from the global recession is likely to arrive earlier than had been expected a few months ago but the pace of activity will remain weak well into next year. This is according to the OECD's latest Interim Economic Assessment. Click here to read more.
The following related articles are also worth a read:
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New Zealand businesses in Australia
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise selected Deloitte to interview a range of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) from New Zealand who currently have or have had operations in Australia. This article highlights some of the successes achieved by NZ exporters in Australia. There is a lot that can be learnt from these firms, even for South African exporters. Click here to learn more.
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WTO sees 9% global trade decline in 2009
The collapse in global demand brought on by the biggest economic downturn in decades will drive exports down by roughly 9% in volume terms1 in 2009, the biggest such contraction since the Second World War, WTO economists forecast today. The contraction in developed countries will be particularly severe with exports falling by 10% this year. In developing countries, which are far more dependent on trade for growth, exports will shrink by some 2%-3% in 2009, WTO economists say. Click here to learn more. |
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The WTO view - Keep trade open and to keep opening trade |
WTO Director General Pascal Lamy while addressing the African Union Trade Members in Addis Ababa, on 20 March 2009, highlighted four points that underscored the WTO's focus on trade growth:
- Pushing back
- Pushing towards concluding the Doha Development Round
- Facilitating the provision of trade finance
- Securing aid for trade: building long-term competitiveness
Click here to learn more.
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Something to read ... about exports and exporting
Don’t forget to read Credit Guarantee’s latest magazine – Credit Notes. Their latest edition covers the following topics:
- Celebration time for Africa
- Appliances snd furniture
- Country report – Republic of South Korea
- Regional analysis – Mpumalanga
- Credit Guarantee’s guide to Eastern Europe - August 2009
- World market updates
- Focus on ... Business recovery, insolvency & restructuring
- RSA economic and business snapshot – August 2009
Click here to download their latest magazine
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World Directory of Information Sources on Standards, Conformity Assessment, Accreditation, Metrology, Technical Regulations, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
Trilingual directory of organizations dealing with standards, technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, conformity assessment, accreditation and metrology, worldwide - lists organizations by country with detailed contact information including Internet addresses as available; indicates membership of regional and international organizations; includes enquiry points relevant to WTO Agreements on Technical Barriers to trade (TBT), and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures; provides contact points for specialised organizations in related areas; also available on the ITC website.
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Please note that ExportHelp cannot be held responsible for any action taken on your part based on the information we provide. Always seek legal advice before becoming contractually involved in any international trade dealings.
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Contact us: chris@exporthelp.co.za
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