Profile

Underpinning the drive towards sustainable growth for South Africa is the expansion of our industries into new and foreign markets. Increased foreign trade equals more jobs as our factories and farms increase production to meet this demand. Yet no growth can occur unless it is driven by industries that are capable and competitive, both locally and internationally. This function is shared equally between logistics and supply chain specialists and the industries that manufacture, produce or farm products for the export market.

South African exports already account for R25 billion of foreign trade every month and the figure is expected to continue its upward trend. There are presently over 50 South African dti sanctioned Foreign Economic Offices, promoting South African products and negotiating trade agreements with foreign businesses and trade officials. South African exporters are now able to approach these marketing officers worldwide for advice and assistance.

Presently, export growth is reflected both positively in the form of increased revenues and negatively as our warehousing and other logistics related services are not always positively geared, and demand in certain instances outstrips supply. This, coupled with congestion at vital ports and other points of entry/exit directly affects our competitive pricing and delivery edge and has the potential, if unchecked, to stunt future export growth.

Government is addressing infrastructural deficiencies as a whole and at any given time billions of rands is being spent on various projects aimed at alleviating congestion and/or upgrading our infrastructure to meet (and often exceed) international standards.

Exporting consists of many industries working together to ensure that your product gets from your factory or farm to its final destination. Depending on the scope of services offered by your logistics partner, or the extent of your agreement, this could include the processing of tax documentation, sourcing insurance for both your cargo and the credit you extend to international buyers and every other aspect from ensuring you use the correct packaging, palletising and containerising, to international warehousing and transportation.

Consistent with the global nature of export logistics, service providers have established representation in many countries, either by forming international partnerships or owning branches worldwide under one company name. The hundreds of millions of tons of cargo that these logistics specialists move across our oceans, air and land bound routes each year reflects on the absolute necessity to outsource logistics functions to specialists who know the risks and the challenges and can overcome them. It is inconceivable that our industries could have sustained their success abroad without the specialised knowledge and international mindset of logistics specialists. Very few companies undertake the daunting task of exporting their own products to the final point of delivery.

INFORMATION

PUBLISHER:
Malnor (Pty) Ltd

POSTAL ADDRESS:
Private Bag X20,
Auckland Park, 2006

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
2 Hermitage Terrace,
Richmond, 2092

TEL: 011 726 3081/2

FAX: 011 726 3017
011 726 3330

EMAIL:
exportsa@malnormags.co.za

BEE COMPLIANT

PUBLISHER:
Ken Nortje

ADVERTISING MATERIAL:
Obakeng Mosimege

SALES MANAGER:
Sophia Nel

SALES:
Debbie Poggiolini