NEVA MAKGETLA: US war on global trade and industrialisation in SA
Negotiation is necessary but it is more important to help producers find buyers in other countries
15 April 2025 - 05:00
In its own inimitably erratic fashion, the US administration has declared war on the past 30 years of international trade. SA needs to adapt, and quickly, or risk growing economic and social fallout.
Short-run interventions can help businesses find alternative markets and support the affected workers and their communities through the inevitably rough transition. A thoughtful strategy to deal with the predictable surge in manufactured imports from other countries would also help. In the longer run, the new global realities require a fundamental reconceptualisation of SA’s industrialisation policy. ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.