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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Can SMEs survive Trump tariffs? Here is what small businesses can expect from July
There is still hope that the government trade negotiation teams will be able to strike a deal before the 30% tariffs come into effect. It is about to be a bumpy road for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa from July due to the 30% United States (US) import tariffs, hikes in electricity and petrol prices and the uncertainty surrounding the interest rate announcement coming on 30 July 2025. Miguel da Silva, group executive for Business Banking at TymeBank, says it is essential for SMEs to prepare for the impact of a 30% US import tariff, which is set to take effect on 1 August 2025. The impact of tariffs on SMEs Da Silva adds that the tariff hike is bad news for businesses that currently export to the US, especially those involved in the agricultural, automotive, and mining sectors. 'The tariff increases will also have repercussions for the broader economy, with commentators saying the move could lead to thousands of job losses across the affected sectors.' He says there is still hope that the government trade negotiation teams will be able to strike a deal before the 30% tariffs come into effect. In the meantime, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South African companies to accelerate their search for alternative markets in order to promote better resilience in both global supply chains and the South African economy. ALSO READ: SMEs need to brace for reduced orders due to a 30% US tariff New export markets for SMEs Da Silva says exporters have been seeking out new markets, taking advantage of trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen intra-African commerce and lessen reliance on the US. 'The Brics+ bloc also presents an opportunity for local exporters to tap into major markets like China, Southeast Asia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. 'Already, China has announced a decision to eliminate all tariffs on imports from the 53 African countries, including South Africa, which is welcome news for SMEs looking for new markets.' Electricity and petrol price increases He highlighted that electricity and petrol price increases add to SMEs' woes, but on the bright side, inflation appears to be under control. 'The US tariff blow comes at a time when South African SMEs are already facing margin squeeze because of additional cost pressures from energy price hikes and fuel price increases, all of which threaten not only their short-term profitability but also their long-term sustainability and competitiveness.' According to the Bureau of Economic Research's (BER) latest survey, inflation expectations have fallen to their lowest in four years. 'Respondents expect inflation to be below 4% this year, echoing the view of Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago.' ALSO READ: Mid-year financial check for SMEs: Tips to prepare for the next six months Unemployment remains a concern He has noted that there is modest growth and mixed expectations around interest rates, while unemployment remains a concern. 'GDP data for Q2 2025typically arrives on 25 July. The recent modest growth of 0.4% quarter-on-quarter suggests continued economic challenges, making this release vital for demand forecasting and timing market expansion. 'Expectations about the outcome of the 31 July South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, scheduled for 31 July 2025, are mixed.' Interest rates to hold Da Silva highlighted that most analysts believe interest rates will remain unchanged, while a few still see a possibility of a 25-basis-point cut. 'We hope the SARB decides to put growth above inflation control this time. In principle, lower interest rates mean more disposable income for consumers, which should ultimately result in increased spending and demand for goods and services from SMEs.' He emphasised that there is an increased collaboration between the private sector, government, and financial institutions to foster funding and investment opportunities for SMEs. 'This may include government initiatives, revamped credit guarantee schemes, and partnerships with fintech companies.' NOW READ: Here is how SMEs can take advantage of the G20 and B20 summits
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Will Tropical Storm Dexter form in the Gulf? Invest 93L spaghetti models and more
All eyes are currently on Florida as a tropical disturbance designated Invest 93L sits off the state's eastern coast and prepares to track westward over the next couple of days, according to National Hurricane Center forecasters. AccuWeather is calling the disturbance a "tropical rainstorm" because it is expected to drench Central Florida in 4 to 8 inches of rain on Tuesday before entering the Gulf, where it could organize and strengthen into a tropical depression. Tropical Storm Dexter is the next named storm, but it's not yet clear that Invest 93L will have the time needed to develop into a tropical storm. "The farther south that the tropical rainstorm is able to travel over Florida, the longer it will have over the Gulf to strengthen before landfall," AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva explained. Regardless of how the tropical disturbance develops, Florida as a whole will experience widespread precipitation. "Heavy downpours are expected to continue across much of the Florida Peninsula through Tuesday night. Thunderstorms, infused with tropical moisture, could produce more than 4 inches of rain," DaSilva said. The Florida Panhandle will see heavy rainfall from Invest 93L after it reaches the Gulf on Wednesday. The greatest threat to the area at the moment is flash flooding in low-lying, poor-drainage areas and urban locations. Invest 93L is currently expected to make landfall near Louisiana's southeastern coast Thursday morning. How likely will Invest 93L strengthen? The National Hurricane Center increased the chances that AL93 would develop over the next 48 hours to 40%. Given the relatively short timeline the storm has to develop, its chance of formation through the next seven days is also 40%. Invest 93L's track through the Gulf and how well it organizes will determine how widespread the rainfall will be and how strong the storm becomes. The faster the storm rolls across Florida, the more likely it is to push the tropical rain across the central Gulf Coast, according to AccuWeather. If it stalls over the Gulf or Louisiana, it'll lead to more widespread heavy rain and flooding. "The farther south that the tropical rainstorm is able to travel over Florida, the longer it will have over the Gulf to strengthen before landfall," DaSilva explained. Invest 93L will reach the Gulf on Wednesday. What Florida Panhandle residents should know Invest 93L is still east of the Florida peninsula, but it's expected to track across the state on July 15 and reach the Gulf by July 16, where it is expected to strengthen. Floridians around the state should expect heavy rain and the potential for localized flash flooding throughout the week. Central and South Florida are already seeing impacts from Invest 93L, but the Florida Panhandle won't see anything until July 16. "Heavy downpours are expected to continue across much of the Florida Peninsula through Tuesday night. Thunderstorms, infused with tropical moisture, could produce more than 4 inches of rain," said DaSilva. Those at the Florida beaches will also experience rough surf and strong rip currents into July 16. "A more organized tropical system would bring a larger swath of heavy rain and a more widespread flooding risk," DaSilva added. AccuWeather forecasters predict a tropical depression will make landfall in southeastern Louisiana the morning of July 17. "The farther south that the tropical rainstorm is able to travel over Florida, the longer it will have over the Gulf to strengthen before landfall," DaSilva said. It's not out the question that, in this scenario, the tropical system would have enough time to become a tropical storm. Latest on Invest 93L Invest 93L is still a relatively weak area of low pressure just off Florida's east coast, though it's becoming more organized. As of Tuesday morning, the disturbance was centered around 29°N latitude and 79.5°W longitude. Its pressure was recorded at 1014 mb, which is fairly normal at this point in the cycle. Upper level northerly winds have managed to keep rain and thunderstorm activity disorganized. Invest 93 spaghetti models Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. Invest 93L timeline Invest 93L is currently east of the Florida peninsula and will move westward across Central Florida through Tuesday. The tropical disturbance will reach the Gulf early Wednesday morning, where AccuWeather still expects it to move generally westward, parallel to the Florida Panhandle. During this time, Invest 93L will have a chance for further development. Invest 93L could make landfall along Louisiana's southeastern coastline early Thursday morning, according to AccuWeather's latest forecast. From there, the storm is expected to steer northward, losing wind intensity but still bringing plenty of rain to the southern portion of the Mississippi River Valley on Friday and Saturday. Editor's note: This story was updated with more information regarding strengthening and timeline. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Will Tropical Storm Dexter form in the Gulf? What to know Solve the daily Crossword
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Tropical Storm Path Shows State Most At Risk For Direct Impact
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A disturbance that could become Tropical Storm Dexter moved through Florida on Tuesday and is now in the Gulf, with meteorologists anticipating impacts associated with the storm to soon hit numerous states, regardless of whether it strengthens into a tropical storm or not. However, one state looks to have the highest risk of direct impact, according to a map from AccuWeather. Why It Matters The Atlantic hurricane season, having begun on June 1, entered a heightened state of vigilance this week as forecasters began tracking the newest disturbance. The possible formation of Tropical Storm Dexter, following recent development of storms such as Chantal, underscored warnings from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) about warm water temperatures and conducive atmospheric factors in the Gulf. An NHC forecast displayed the at-risk area spanning from Florida to Louisiana, signaling major U.S. population centers and critical infrastructure could face storm conditions before the end of the week. What to Know Heavy rain is the largest concern, with widespread amounts of 4 to 8 inches possible across parts of Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. The storm's direct landfall looks like it will occur in Louisiana, a map of the tropical eye path from AccuWeather showed. Forecasts anticipate landfall could happen around 2 p.m. local time on Thursday. A map from AccuWeather shows the storm will make landfall in Louisiana on Thursday afternoon. A map from AccuWeather shows the storm will make landfall in Louisiana on Thursday afternoon. AccuWeather AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek he was particularly "concerned about flooding potential in Louisiana" later this week, as the storm looks like it might stall or slow considerably over the state. "That could cause some potentially widespread flooding issues in that area," DaSilva said. DaSilva said major cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge could see the most rain. Lesser rain, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, could affect the rest of Louisiana and most of Mississippi, as well as parts of Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas. Florida received heavy rain from the system on Tuesday. In addition to rainfall, dangerous surf and rip currents were forecast along the Gulf Coast, raising risks for swimmers and boaters. The system remained disorganized as of the latest NHC advisory, but the agency cautioned that development could occur as it moved west into more favorable conditions. As of the most recent NHC forecast, the disturbance has a 40 percent chance of forming into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours. What People Are Saying DaSilva told Newsweek: "It looks like it's going to bring a lot of rainfall to Louisiana." NHC in a forecast on Wednesday: "Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of Florida through today. Heavy rainfall could also cause flash flooding for portions of the north-central Gulf Coast beginning late today and continuing through Friday. For additional information, please refer to products issued by the Weather Prediction Center and your local National Weather Service office." What Happens Next If development occurs, the system would be named Tropical Storm Dexter before making landfall in Louisiana, likely on Thursday afternoon.
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Tropical Storm Dexter: Live Tracker as Chances of Forming Quadruple
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chances that Tropical Storm Dexter will form within the next 48 hours have quadrupled since a forecast issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on Monday. As the storm takes shape, Florida can expect heavy rainfall. Even if the storm doesn't form, the heavy rain will move across the Sunshine State and into the Gulf, where it will impact coastal states later this week. As of Tuesday around noon Eastern time, AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek the storm was moving inland and bringing "really, really heavy rain." Why It Matters The Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1. The last storm to form was Tropical Storm Chantal earlier this month. NHC meteorologists are currently monitoring a low-pressure system east of Florida that has a 40 percent chance of becoming tropical within the next 48 hours. Should it form, the storm will be named Dexter. The development comes as meteorologists predicted an above-average hurricane season this year for the Atlantic. A map from the NHC shows there is a 40 percent chance Tropical Storm Dexter will form within 48 hours. A map from the NHC shows there is a 40 percent chance Tropical Storm Dexter will form within 48 hours. National Hurricane Center What To Know On Monday, the NHC said there was a 10 percent chance the storm would form within the next two days. By that afternoon, the chance had increased to 20 percent. By Tuesday morning, the chances increased again to 40 percent. The NHC cautioned that even if it doesn't form, Florida can expect some impact, such as heavy rain and flash floods. Weather Radar Animated weather maps from showed a cluster of storms in Florida near the state's Atlantic coast. As of Tuesday afternoon, the storms have not yet organized into a tropical system. DaSilva told Newsweek he doubts the storm will strengthen while it moves over land. Wind Despite the lack of organization, some strong winds are still expected with the storms. Sustained winds of around 25 mph were recorded in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of Florida. Winds were gusting around 36 mph. A tropical storm has sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph. A tropical storm becomes a Category 1 hurricane once sustained winds hit 74 mph. Rain Meteorologists warned that the biggest impact from the storm will be heavy rain. Over the next three days, forecasts that Central Florida could receive around 2 inches of rain. The highest rainfall amounts will be coastal Louisiana, which could receive up to 4 inches. What People Are Saying The NHC, in a forecast: "This system is forecast to move westward across the Florida Peninsula today and then reach the northeastern Gulf by Wednesday. Environmental conditions appear generally favorable for additional development, and a tropical depression could form while the system moves across the northeastern and north-central Gulf." AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva, in an AccuWeather report: "Heavy downpours are expected to continue across much of the Florida Peninsula through Tuesday night. Thunderstorms, infused with tropical moisture, could produce more than 4 inches of rain." What Happens Next Heavy rain is expected to cause flash flooding in Florida through mid-week, the NHC forecast said. Then, flash flooding and heavy rain will hit the Gulf Coast later this week.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Will tropical storm form in Gulf next week? See latest forecast from AccuWeather, NOAA
The tropics are quiet right now, with no activity expected over the next seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center. But AccuWeather forecasters are keeping an eye on an area close to Florida and the United States which shows some potential for tropical development next week. It's the same area where Chantal was born, said AccuWeather lede hurricane expert Alex DaSilva. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Saharan dust and wind shear are helping to prevent any storm development. Elsewhere, the National Hurricane Center is tracking four tropical waves. The next named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season will be Dexter. Today's weather forecast across Florida calls for showers and thunderstorms across several portions of the state, temperatures in the 90s and heat indices hitting as high as 107. Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m., July 10: The National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on four tropical waves in the Atlantic basin: Tropical wave 1: A tropical wave is analyzed near 21W from 04N-19N, moving west at around 11 mph. Scattered moderate convection is active from 07N-13N between the coast of Africa and 25W. Tropical wave 2: A tropical wave is analyzed near 38W, from 05N-18N, moving west at around 17 to 23 mph. Scattered showers are noted along the wave axis. Tropical wave 3: A tropical wave is analyzed near 66W from 20N to northern Venezuela, moving west at around 1a mph. No significant convection is noted with this wave. Tropical wave 4: A tropical wave is analyzed near 82W from 07-22N, and is moving west at around 11 mph. Scattered moderate convection is seen in the far southwestern Caribbean, and also from 14-17N between 80-85W. At least in the short term, the tropics should remain quiet, according to both the National Hurricane Center and AccuWeather. ➤ Beyond the eye: How rain, not wind or surge, became the deadliest tropical hazard "There's simply too much wind and too much African dust coming across the Atlantic right now," DaSilva said via email. "There's a lot of African dust, which is common this time of the year. June and July typically have the most African dust coming across the Atlantic Basin, and this year is no different." There is a low risk of a tropical depression or tropical storm forming from July 15-18, according to AccuWeather. "It's in the northeastern Gulf and off the southeast coast, a very similar area to where we outlooked Chantal," DaSilva said. ➤ CSU predicting slightly fewer storms this hurricane season. Florida shouldn't ignore tropics "I think it's a similar setup, but not the exact same thing. We are going to have a cold front coming down in that area and you can get a little bit of spin on the end of it. It looks like there could be a little more wind shear with this setup, potentially, and that could prevent development. "Either way, it looks like over the entirety of the Atlantic Basin, if anything is going to develop here over the next couple of weeks, it's likely to be really close to home. It's likely to be that what we call homegrown tropical development in the northeastern Gulf or off the Southeast coast," DaSilva said. "Much like Chantal, if something develops, it's unlikely that it would become a hurricane. I don't think it would have enough time to develop, and also it's got to deal with some of that wind shear. If anything develops, it would likely be a tropical depression or tropical storm, and that's if anything develops at all." Historically, July tropical systems develop close to the United States, in the Gulf, Caribbean and in the southwestern Atlantic. Later in the season, they form out of tropical waves moving off the coast of Africa. If development of the system occurs in the Atlantic east of Florida, "it may once again drift northward toward the U.S. coast," AccuWeather said. "Should development occur on the Gulf side of Florida, which is looking more plausible at this time, steering breezes could guide the area of interest westward along the northern Gulf coast. "In either case, showers and thunderstorms can increase in coastal areas and adjacent waters offshore even if a storm center fails to form. Should a center form, more substantial rain and wind, with building surf, would unfold," AccuWeather said. An average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Here's when this year's named storms have developed, compared to historical averages: Tropical Storm Andrea: formed Juned 24. Average start date: June 20 Tropical Storm Barry: formed June 29. Average start date: July 17 Tropical Storm Chantal: formed July 5. Average start date: Aug. 3. Next up, Dexter: Average state date: Aug. 15, with the average first hurricane forming Aug. 11. Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 24) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter: DEHK-ster Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee Florida weather forecast for July 10, 2025 Pensacola, western Panhandle: Scattered to numerous showers and storms are expected to develop this afternoon across the local area, with highs topping out in the low to mid 90s. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: Afternoon and evening thunderstorms today will pack a bit more punch than a typical summer day, especially across South Georgia. High near 94. Heat index values as high as 103. Jacksonville, North/Northeast Florida: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 101 Daytona Beach to Stuart, East/Central Florida: Scattered showers and storms are forecast today, ranging 30-40 percent along the coast and 40-60 percent west of I-95. While afternoon highs will be near to slightly above normal, humid conditions will produce peak heat index values between 100-106. West Palm Beach to Naples, South/Southwest Florida: Hot temperatures and high relative humidity will push heat index values to 102-105 for Southeast Florida and 105-107 for Southwest Florida before scattered showers and thunderstorms increase later this afternoon and help cool conditions down. Fort Myers to Sarasota, West/Southwest Florida: Scattered to numerous mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms today. Best chance for rain will be over the interior and Southwest Florida late afternoon into early evening. Highs from the upper 80s coast to the mid 90s inland with heat indices between 100 and 105. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA said. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Hurricane Center update: Forecasters tracking 5 tropical waves
