ALAN PEAT EXPORTS HAVE taken-off in the last three months, according to Roland Raath, MD of Cargocare Freight Services. One driving factor, he pointed out, has been the continuing weakness of the rand against the other major currencies. “This has again made SA exports internationally competitive,” he said, “and volumes have begun to rise significantly.” Another positive indicator in Cargocare's thinking is major shipping lines desperately looking for empty containers for use in the local market. “One of the things this indicates is that there must have been a big move in SA exports,” said Raath. Also, he added, there’s currently a battle to find enough airfreight capacity for export cargoes. Confirmation of this upward trend, Raath said, was the most recent figures for the balance of payments. Although SA recorded its ninth trade deficit in September, the deficit narrowed substantially to R0.175-billion from R5.28-bn in August. “This as exports staged a stellar comeback in both August and September. “In September exports increased by 4.6% month-on-month to R37.591-bn from R35.931-bn in August – setting a new record for exporters.” The rand’s relative weakness should continue to drive up exports and mitigate pressure on the trade account. “The last balance of payments was very positive, and took us by surprise,” said Raath. “But, given the present indicators, I think we’ll get even better news next time.”
