Latest news with #Sacci
SowetanLIVE
3 days ago
- Business
- SowetanLIVE
Standard Bank and Sacci back KwaZulu-Natal SMEs going global
Despite KwaZulu-Natal's strategic advantages as a trade hub, many of the province's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are unable to participate in global markets. Obstacles such as complex export regulations, limited access to funding, and a lack of international trade experience continue to stifle SME growth beyond SA's borders. In response, Standard Bank Business & Commercial Banking, in partnership with the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci), have launched the Export Readiness Programme that will support 20 high-potential KZN-based SMEs with hands-on training, access to markets, and export compliance support. The programme, starting on July 17, is built on the Standard Bank Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) platform and combines tailored funding, capacity-building, and strategic market access. Through this initiative, selected SMEs will receive: Export compliance and certification training; Access to funding tools and trade finance solutions; and Connection to new markets through Standard Bank's African presence and Sacci's trade networks. 'SMEs in KZN are ambitious and capable, but they need the right ecosystem to grow internationally,' says Naledzani Mosomane, head of ESD at Standard Bank Business & Commercial Banking. 'This programme delivers that by offering practical tools and strategic partnerships to help businesses start, manage and grow sustainably — and beyond borders.'
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Sacci warns of declining trade conditions in South Africa amidst economic uncertainty
South African ChThe amber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) have raised alarm bells after the Trade Conditions Survey for June 2025 indicated a contraction into negative territory in trade conditions on Wednesday. Image: Pixabay The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has issued urgent warnings following the release of its Trade Conditions Survey for June, which revealed a concerning contraction in trade conditions. Sacci on Wednesday reported that the trade environment was increasingly strained by global trade uncertainty, coupled with domestic economic challenges such as sluggish growth and soaring unemployment. The survey highlighted a significant downturn: trade conditions fell from a promising positive stance in March and April back into negative territory by May and June. According to Sacci, 56% of respondents reported positive trading conditions in March, yet this figure reduced dramatically with only 46% maintaining optimism in May and June. 'Despite the downturn, a slight majority—51%—indicated that trade conditions in June 2025 were better than during the same period in 2024,' noted Sacci. With regard to future prospects, Sacci observed a diminutive drop in optimism as well as 62% of respondents in June anticipated an improvement in trade conditions over the coming six months compared to a more encouraging 69% in May. 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 ✕ Ad loading The data suggested a growing unease regarding the short-term trade outlook, reflecting concerns over the sluggish local economy and external uncertainties. Sacci attributed the unfavourable trade outlook to the disappointing performance of the domestic economy, which has been compounded by the tactical responses anticipated from global trading relations. 'It remains essential that efforts to improve local economic performance are intensified,' they stated. While consumer inflation was stable at 2.8% in May and producer inflation remained low at a mere 0.1%, a recent increase in fuel prices looms large,' it said. 'However, the strengthening of the rand against the US dollar by about 1.5% in June mitigated even greater price impacts.' Concerns persist with rising municipal tariffs and property taxes, which threaten to distort inflation expectations and the prospects for a decrease in interest rates. Sacci also noted that real interest rates remained uncomfortably elevated, contributing to the deteriorating five-and-six-month trade outlook, with expectations of lower sales volumes and dwindling supplier deliveries. The data reflected a significant decline in positive sentiment from 75% in December 2024 to just 65% as of June 2025. While the survey forecasts continuing challenges, it also highlighted a few silver linings. Recent statistics revealed an uptick in new vehicle sales (+18% year-on-year), retail sales (+5% year-on-year), and incoming overseas tourists (+3% year-on-year), alongside a 3% rise in merchandise import volumes—indicating some positive trade developments. However, the sceptical view continued with stark declines in key sectors such as merchandise export volumes (-10% year-on-year) and the value of building plans passed (-16% year-on-year), suggesting a perplexing disparity among various trade activities. Waldo Krugell, an economics professor at the North-West University, said Sacci's Trade Conditions Survey was another indicator of economic growth slowing in 2025 and weak prospects for growth going forward. 'The consumer-facing parts like vehicle sales, retail sales and inward overseas tourists have a bit of life left in them, but for exports and construction conditions have deteriorated,' Krugell said. 'For the moment there is not much any can do to the tariff headwinds, but domestically government should really be looking for quick wins in their reform programme to try and restore business confidence.' Krugell said progress at Transnet and the harbours will make a big difference to sentiment. 'Deregulation to reduce the cost of doing business for SMEs is frequently talked about and can be done quickly and with little cost to the fiscus. They just need to get it done.' Efficient Group chief economist, Dawie Roodt, said it was no surprise that the trade conditions deteriorated. 'There are a number of reasons for that but contributing factors include what recently happened with the new tariffs against South Africa as well as the continuous instability in the government of national unity. I'm afraid trade conditions can deteriorate quite significantly over the next couple of months, of course, depending on things like tariffs and politics,' Roodt said. 'So that means that the economy kicked off quite weak this year, and is likely to remain so, and it's even possible that we can dip into a recession. Radical policy changes are needed to get this economy to grow again.' BUSINESS REPORT South African ChThe amber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) have raised alarm bells after the Trade Conditions Survey for June 2025 indicated a contraction into negative territory in trade conditions on Wednesday. Image: Pixabay
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Sacci warns of stormy outlook as trade slumps amid global turmoil
The latest SACCI Trade Conditions Survey report shows that trade conditions started off relatively weak early this year, improved into positive terrain by March and April, but then weakened again in May and June. Image: Supplied TRADE conditions in South Africa have slipped back into negative territory after a brief recovery earlier this year, according to the latest SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) Trade Conditions Survey for May and June. The report shows that trade conditions started off relatively weak early this year, improved into positive terrain by March and April, but then weakened again in May and June. 'The trade climate gradually weakened,' Sacci noted, reporting that while 56% of respondents experienced positive conditions in March, that figure dropped to 46% by June. '51% of the respondents indicated that trade conditions in June 2025 were better than in June 2024,' the report added, offering a glimmer of hope amid the downturn. Despite the decline in sentiment, some economic indicators showed strength. Sacci pointed to new vehicle sales (+18% year on year), retail sales (+5%), inward overseas tourists (+3%), and merchandise import volumes (+3%) as evidence of certain positive developments. Notably, new vehicle sales were described as 'a leading indicator' that suggested upward momentum in the first half of the year. 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 ✕ However, other key sectors told a different story. Merchandise export volumes declined by 10%, and the real value of building plans passed fell by 16% year on year. 'There is disparity amongst various trade activities,' Sacci said. Business optimism has also waned. In May, 69% of participants expected trade conditions to improve over the next six months, by June, that number had fallen to 62%. 'The disappointing economic performance at present, and a globally uncertain economic and trade environment, contributed to a less favourable trade outlook,' the report stated. Looking further ahead, Sacci warned that the trade outlook for the next six months had deteriorated. 'Expected lower sales volumes, fewer new orders, and decreasing supplier deliveries' were among the concerns raised by respondents. The downward trend in expectations was linked to uncertainty and an anticipated limited performance by the local economy. Consumer inflation remained low at 2.8% in May 2025, and producer inflation measured just 0.1%, offering some relief to households and businesses. The strengthening of the rand against the US dollar by about 1.5% in June also helped cushion fuel price increases. However, Sacci sounded a note of caution: 'Rising municipal tariffs and property tax may further distort inflationary expectations and thus disturb the prospects for lower interest rates.' It further said: 'Real interest rates remain at an uncomfortable high level.' Given South Africa's open economy, global trade relations were expected to play a critical role in shaping domestic trade conditions. 'Uncertainty of global trade prospects may become exceedingly perplexing in the near future,' Sacci cautioned. Despite the rocky outlook, Sacci found that respondents do not anticipate drastic adjustments to staffing levels — now or in the coming six months. This suggests a degree of resilience within the business community. In light of these findings, Sacci emphasised the need for ongoing efforts to boost local economic performance. 'It therefore remains inevitable that the actions taken to enhance the local economic performance must be continued and enhanced,' the report stated. As South Africa navigates a complex mix of global headwinds and domestic challenges, Sacci's message is clear: vigilance and proactive policy will be essential to steer the country toward more stable trade waters. Get the real story on the go: Follow the Sunday Independent on WhatsApp.
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Standard Bank, Sacci launch export readiness programme for KZN SMEs
Standard Bank South Africa, in partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci), has launched an export readiness programme aimed at helping KwaZulu-Natal-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand into international markets. The initiative is designed to address key barriers that prevent SMEs in the province from exporting, including limited access to finance, complex trade regulations and a lack of international trade experience. Applications for the programme opened on 30 June 2025 and close on 9 July 2025. It targets 20 high-potential SMEs operating in KwaZulu-Natal. Focus on compliance, training and market access Delivered through Standard Bank's Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) platform, the programme will offer selected businesses: - Export compliance and certification training - Access to funding mechanisms and trade finance tools - Market access support through Standard Bank's African footprint and SACCI's trade networks 'SMEs in KZN are ambitious and capable but they need the right ecosystem to grow internationally,' said Naledzani Mosomane, head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking. 'This programme delivers that by offering practical tools and strategic partnerships to help businesses start, manage and grow sustainably beyond borders.' Sacci, which represents enterprises across sectors and regions, is contributing its trade networks and enterprise development expertise to the partnership. 'South Africa's economic future depends on unlocking the potential of our SMEs,' said Alan Mukoki, CEO of Sacci. 'This partnership with Standard Bank is a pipeline to global markets for KZN businesses that are ready to take the next step.'
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Business sentiment wanes in South Africa as economic uncertainty lingers
South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said while releasing their Business Confidence Index (BCI) on Wednesday that the BCI dipped by 8.6 index points in April to 114.9 but clawed back some 0.9 index points in May 2025 to measure 115.8. SACCI said that the index remains higher than it was in May 2024. Image: Karen Sandison/Independent Newspapers Sentiment in the business sector in South Africa has remained volatile despite a minor rebound following fears over US trade policy, including former President Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs. The latest release of the Business Confidence Index (BCI) by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has revealed a complicated landscape for businesses, as the index experienced a notable fluctuation in recent months. The BCI dropped by 8.6 index points in April to a measure of 114.9, before recovering slightly by 0.9 index points in May, culminating in a score of 115.8. Waldo Krugell, economics professor at North-West University, said that this decline was in line with other high-frequency data indicators. 'Basically, it's businesses that are now more pessimistic about the prospects for doing business during the course of this year,' Krugell said. 'This loss of momentum speaks to consumers not spending as much as expected. Even in the investment numbers last week we saw a decline in investment indicating people are less confident and expect a slowing of the economy.' Despite this minor rebound, Sacci highlighted that the BCI still stands 8.0 index points higher than the same period last year, signalling a year-on-year improvement in business confidence. In its analysis, Sacci noted that the volatility between April and May was characterised by mixed performances across the index's 14 sub-indices, where six improved, six declined, and two remained neutral. Factors contributing positively to sentiment include a strengthened rand exchange rate, surging share prices on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), and high prices for key commodities like gold and platinum. Year-on-year comparisons show a brighter outlook, with the BCI being 6 and 8 index points above the levels recorded in April and May of the previous year respectively. Contributing to this optimistic trend are increased numbers of inbound tourists, a rise in new vehicle sales, lower inflation, and elevated global prices for precious metals. Nevertheless, fluctuating merchandise export volumes and the diminishing real value of building plans continue to cast shadows on the business climate. Sacci emphasised the need for substantive economic growth to enhance the well-being of South Africans. The Chamber pointed out the disconcerting reality that the country's performance of merely 0.8% year-on-year growth reported for the first quarter of 2025 falls significantly short of what is necessary to tackle escalating unemployment and foster an inclusive economic environment. Programmes to attract investment must be prioritised to combat concerns that deter foreign and domestic investors. North-West University Business School economist, Professor Raymond Parsons, said if taken together with other high-frequency economic data, the BCI showed a mixed picture of the current business mood. 'Obviously global factors also play a role. But as Sacci itself emphasises, the domestic policy environment must become more conducive to boosting investor confidence,' Parsons said. 'This means South Africa needs to improve on the present consensus forecasts of only about 1% GDP growth in 2025. Translating positive short-term business confidence trends into longer-term investor confidence is therefore the challenge presently facing South African policymakers at various levels.'
