Dept's help to SA exporters

SUPPORT DESK: SET UP TO COUNTER TARIFFS

- Moneyweb

The department of trade, industry and competition has hit the ground running with its Export Support Desk, which intends to help SA companies hit by new US tariffs find alternative markets and provide guidance on market entry processes.

It's still early days, so the effectiveness of the desk remains to be seen. What impressed us was the speed with which the dtic responded to Moneyweb's requests for further information.

This is part of a package of measures intended to cushion local companies from higher US tariffs on SA, announced earlier this month, which will hit vehicles, steel and aluminium, and agricultural products the hardest.

Relaxed competition rules Another proposed initiative aimed at softening the blow is relaxed rules on competitive behaviour.

Bloomberg reports the new regulations, issued for public comment, would allow exporters to coordinate and share shipping and market costs, as well as collaborate on the building of export infrastructure.