South Africa's best brands announced
JOHANNESBURG - Despite the continued dominance of international brands in the country, South African brands are creeping up the rankings.
WATCH | Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri out at Dior
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IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Agribusiness Confidence Index shows slight decline amid global uncertainties
Agricultural Business Chamber said that despite the slight decline, the current level of the ACI, implies that South African agribusinesses remain optimistic about business conditions in the country Image: Supplied South Africa's Agricultural Business Confidence Index (ACI) edged down by five points to 65 in the second quarter, reflecting a slight dip in sentiment across the agribusiness sector, the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) said on Wednesday. The chamber noted that concerns over global trade uncertainty, persistent geopolitical tensions, and ongoing domestic animal disease outbreaks were among the main factors weighing on industry confidence. "Despite the slight decline, the current level of the ACI, implies that South African agribusinesses remain optimistic about business conditions in the country," said Wandile Sihlobo, the chief economist at Agbiz. 'The better summer rains and improvements at the ports which have enabled exports with minimal interruptions, are some of the positives. This survey was conducted in the second week of June, covering various agribusinesses operating in all agricultural subsectors across South Africa." The ACI comprises ten subindices; six of them declined in quarter two, while the rest remained unchanged. The turnover subindex confidence was down by 5 points to 55. There was a deterioration in sentiment among agribusinesses operating in the red meat sector, while others maintained a roughly unchanged view from the previous quarter. Similarly, the net operating income subindex fell by 5 points to 65 points. The drivers were the same as the turnover. The sub-index measuring export sentiment volume fell by 40 points to 60. Sihlobo said, 'This is still a relatively favourable level. For example, in quarter one, South Africa's agricultural exports totalled $3.36 billion (R54 billion), up 10% from the same period a year ago, according to data from Trade Map. Thus, the decline in sentiment in quarter two is a normalisation.' The general economic conditions subindex fell by 15 points to 50 in quarter two. "This indicates concerns about growth prospects this year due to both domestic and global constraints. The market share of the agribusiness subindex fell by 5 to 65 points in quarter two," Sihlobo said. "Most respondents maintained an essentially unchanged view, which enabled the high base to lead to a mild decline in sentiment.' Sihlobo said the second-quarter ACI results for 2025 reflect an overall optimistic sentiment in the agricultural sector, with expectations of a recovery continuing through the year. However, he cautioned that the rebound is likely to be uneven, as certain key subsectors remain under pressure from ongoing animal disease outbreaks. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "The dominance of geopolitical concerns amongst respondents' views illustrates South Africa's agricultural sector's strong dependence on export markets and the need to work to diversify markets," Sihlobo noted. 'China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are among the key markets we should expand into.' Francois Rossouw, the CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), said the slight decline in the ACI is understandable given the pressures facing the sector. 'While confidence remains in positive territory, ongoing threats like foot-and-mouth disease, amongst others, continue to weigh heavily on the red meat industry. Globally, escalating geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over key trade relationships- especially with major partners like the United States, raise concerns for export-driven agribusinesses," he said. These dynamics, alongside regional conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East create planning difficulties for producers. 'While confidence remains resilient overall, strengthening biosecurity and maintaining stable, trade-friendly diplomacy will be essential to support continued recovery,' Rossouw said. TLU SA general manager, Bennie van Zyl, is in agreement with most of the findings of ACI by Agbiz. 'It must be noted that the agricultural sector is in a fluctuation of seasonal realities especially with rain. Some years we have better rain , some years we have late rain and some years we have no rain," Van Zyl said, "This is something that has a huge influence on the climatic side of the agricultural sector. There's also the impact of crime on the agriculture sector such as produce theft and theft of cattle which is stock theft.'
eNCA
5 hours ago
- eNCA
South Africa's best brands announced
JOHANNESBURG - Despite the continued dominance of international brands in the country, South African brands are creeping up the rankings. WATCH | Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri out at Dior
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Zero Tariffs, Infinite Trust: How China's Bold Trade Move Redefines Africa's Future
Discover how China's groundbreaking zero-tariff policy for African nations not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens diplomatic ties, paving the way for a prosperous future. Pictured is South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Image: Presidency By Michael Andisile Mayalo In a time when global economic uncertainty and geopolitical friction dominate headlines, China and Africa are offering a refreshing alternative: partnership, solidarity, and shared prosperity. The latest chapter in this evolving friendship came with an announcement that is as historic as it is strategic-China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 100% of taxable products from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. This remarkable initiative, announced during the June 2025 Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), is more than just a trade policy—it is a powerful expression of trust, mutual respect, and forward-looking cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter to the meeting set the tone for this moment of renewed commitment. In his message, he emphasised that China and Africa are 'good friends, good partners, and good brothers,' bound by shared aspirations and common goals. He praised the success of the ten cooperation actions agreed upon during the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC and reaffirmed China's pledge to accelerate the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo echoed these sentiments, affirming that the deep friendship between Africa and China is rooted in solidarity, mutual benefit, and a clear-eyed vision of long-term progress. Their messages were not ceremonial-they were statements of intent backed by concrete action. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A Win-Win Solution for Africa's Economic Aspirations The zero-tariff policy is especially significant because it comes at a time when African nations are striving to boost industrial capacity, diversify exports, and secure greater integration into global markets. Removing tariffs on all African exports to China opens an enormous door of opportunity for value-added products, manufactured goods, and agricultural items to reach one of the world's largest and most dynamic consumer bases. As noted in the recent China Daily piece, African leaders increasingly see China as a preferred and reliable development partner. This policy confirms why: it places no political conditions, imposes no pressure, and offers real, market-driven solutions to real development needs. China's approach is empowering. Rather than offering short-term aid, it is building sustainable economic linkages. Countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Senegal, which are developing robust manufacturing sectors, will now find it easier to export competitively to China. But perhaps even more crucially, least-developed countries across the continent stand to benefit the most, as their exports gain immediate and unrestricted access. The Changsha Declaration: A Shared Voice for the Global South This bold trade step was matched diplomatically by the release of the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South. Signed by representatives from all 53 African nations, the African Union, and China, the declaration reaffirms the commitment to multilateralism and cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world. The declaration calls for a stronger collective voice in international affairs, and explicitly states opposition to unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. It aligns perfectly with the zero-tariff decision-not as an isolated gesture, but as part of a broader effort to support inclusive globalization where developing nations play a central role. By supporting each other's core interests and respecting each other's development paths, China and Africa are demonstrating what modern diplomacy and fair trade can look like when rooted in equality. A Track Record of Delivery and Trust This is not the first time China has placed Africa at the centre of its global strategy. For 16 consecutive years, China has been Africa's largest trading partner. From the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to massive infrastructure projects, industrial parks, and clean energy investment, China's presence has been transformative across the continent. The zero-tariff initiative builds on these foundations. It gives African producers, farmers, and manufacturers the confidence to invest, expand, and compete. It also complements China's long-standing commitment to capacity-building, including thousands of scholarships, technical exchanges, and digital technology partnerships. This is not just trade-it is economic empowerment. At the June 11, 2025, press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed that China will continue to strengthen economic cooperation with Africa, prioritise the implementation of FOCAC outcomes, and ensure that African voices are heard in global affairs. He stated that China is ready to work with African friends to "deepen practical cooperation and deliver more tangible results to the African people." That promise is already being kept. A Friendship That Sets a Global Example What sets this China-Africa partnership apart is its consistency. It is not driven by short-term headlines or geopolitical competition-it is built on long-term alignment and mutual respect. China sees Africa not just as a market or resource base, but as a strategic partner and friend. There is an authenticity to the relationship that resonates with African nations. China does not dictate political systems or demand policy changes. Instead, it listens, collaborates, and builds. That is why, time and again, African leaders praise China's development model and diplomatic approach. And the public feels it too. African perceptions of China remain overwhelmingly positive, driven by real-life impacts-new roads, better hospitals, growing exports, and increased educational access. This kind of people-centered development is where diplomacy meets everyday life. Looking Ahead: Prosperity Through Partnership As we look to the future, the zero-tariff initiative is a gateway to deeper economic integration, industrialization, and mutual prosperity. It sends a clear message: China believes in Africa's potential, and is backing that belief with action. By eliminating barriers and encouraging African exports, China is proving that global trade can be fair, inclusive, and truly win-win. In an era defined by challenges, the China-Africa relationship is a beacon of what cooperation should look like-visionary, respectful, and full of promise. * Michael Andisile Mayalo is an independent commentator and writer ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
