Cotton production rose 2% in 2024 but market forces pulled prices down.
Although exporters could absorb the current tariff, an increase up to 30% could be a death knell.
The 30% tariff will affect trade and jobs, delivering a crippling blow to the economy.
Economists caution that mitigating measures are unlikely to compensate for immediate losses.
New management systems are optimising inventory levels, employee allocation and energy consumption in real time.
Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen attributes the growth to expanded market access in the East.
Products must currently be certified by authorised bodies before arriving in the country.
Meat importers have lauded both governments for lifting the ban from all states.
Trump can move trade to a surplus by blocking the imports of Platinum Group Metals and gold, but obviously he won’t do that.
SA is focusing on diplomatic efforts to establish a more balanced trade relationship with the US.
