Trade Law Chambers | News
Decline in use of trade instruments to protect domestic industries
On 14 August Moneyweb reported on the decline in use of trade instruments to protect doemstic industries in Soth Africa. To read the article and our comments thereon, kindly click here.
© Trade Law Chambers 2023
Anti-dumping investigation launched on clear float glass from Malaysia
On 19 March 2021, the International Trade Administration of South Africa (ITAC) initiated an investigation into the alleged dumping of clear float glass imported from Malaysia.
AfCFTA commences but not free trade yet
On 1 January 2021 the member states of the African Continental Free Trade Area (“AfCFTA”) began trading under the AfCFTA.
Anti-dumping investigation launched on pasta
On 18 September 2020, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (“ITAC”) initiated an anti-dumping investigation into alleged dumping of pasta. The pasta is being imported from Egypt, Latvia, Lithuania and Turkey.Sunset Review initiated on anti-dumping duties on clear float glass and drawn glass imported from China and India
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (“ITAC”) initiated a sunset review investigation into the anti-dumping duties on clear float glass and drawn glass of a thickness of 3-6mm which is being imported from China and India. The investigation was initiated on 19 June 2020.
Safeguard investigation initiated on imports of U, I, H, L and T sections of iron or non-alloy steel
On 19 June 2020 the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (“ITAC”) initiated a safeguard investigation into the increased imports of U, I, H, L and T sections of iron or non-alloy steel , not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80 mm or more and other angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded.
Rian Geldenhuys recognised by WWL as one of the world's leading Trade & Customs Lawyers
We are delighted to announce that Rian Geldenhuys as again been named by Who’s Who Legal as being one of the world’s leading Trade and Customs Lawyers in its publication “Who’s Who Legal: Trade & Customs 2019: The World’s Leading Trade & Customs Lawyers and Experts”.
Rian Geldenhuys recognised by Best Lawyers®
We are delighted to announce that Rian Geldenhuys has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his talent in trade law for 2020.
African Continental Free Trade Area enters Operational Phase
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) entered into force on 30 May 2019.ITAC initiates investigation into increase of duty on PET
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa ("ITAC") initiated an investigation into the increase of the rate of customs duty on polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Brexit uncertainty remains for South Africa
On Monday Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies confirmed that the Trade Continuity Agreement between the UK and the Southern African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa) and Mozambique has not yet been finalized.
The importance of rules of origin
Rules of origin are the criteria used to determine where a product originates from, in other words where the product was made.
UK signs Trade Continuity Agreement with Eastern and Southern Africa
Amongst the Brexit uncertainty, the United Kingdom has signed a trade continuity agreement with Eastern and Southern Africa.
Revised Expropriation Bill published
After obtaining Cabinet approval, the Minister of Public Works published a revised Expropriation Bill on 21 December 2018.
AGOA at risk?
US President Donald Trump tweeted on 23 August 2018 that he had asked his Secretary of State to “closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures and expropriations and the large scale killing of farmers”.
A global trade war
The global trading system is currently experiencing actions by governments not seen prior to the establishment of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), at least not on the same scale.
UK looks to Commonwealth for trade prosperity
The Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting is taking place in London this week. In addition thereto, the Commonwealth Business Forum is taking place where business leaders of the Commonwealth interact with each other and the respective governments.
SA's decision to support the disbanding of the SADC Tribunal challenged
The Law Society of South Africa and several others have challenged the decision by President Jacob Zuma (as well as other Ministers) to participate in the suspension of the SADC Tribunal and the signing of the 2014 Protocol on the SADC Tribunal.
Angola ratifies New York Convention on Foreign Arbitral Awards
Angola acceded to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (1958) on 12 August 2016, becoming its 157th Contracting State Party.
Brexit Scenarios for South Africa
Following the United Kingdom’s (UK) vote to leave the European Union (EU) on 23 June 2016, the UK is faced with a few possible scenarios. These scenarios would then also affect South Africa.
UK votes for Brexit – Trade with SA may suffer
The United Kingdom (UK) narrowly voted to leave the European Union (EU) on 23 June 2016. David Cameron resigned as expected and the markets are reeling. But what does the UK’s decision to leave the EU have to do with trade with South Africa (SA)? Unfortunately, there will be implications for trade between SA and the UK.
What are the trade implications of ‘Brexit’ for South Africa?
Although the reasons behind “Brexit” are varied, most businesses would just like to know what the impact on them would be.
South Africa remains eligible for benefits under AGOA
South Africa has narrowly avoided suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (“AGOA”). Last night President Obama issued a proclamation revoking South Africa’s impending suspension from AGOA.
Protection of Investment Act signed by Zuma
On 13 December 2015 President Zuma assented to the Protection of Investment Bill. This follows the South African government’s refusal to renew bilateral investment protection treaties with several EU member countries and the later introduction of what was then known as the Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill in 2013.
SA Agricultural Exporters May Lose Valuable US AGOA Benefits
US President Barack Obama yesterday released a letter in which he announced his intent to suspend the duty-free treatment for all South African AGOA-eligible exports in the agricultural sector within 60 days from the date of his letter.
US and South Africa reach deal on AGOA
Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies announced to Parliament this week that South Africa has managed to reach agreement with the United States on a long-standing trade dispute on US chicken imports into South Africa, which threatened to derail South Africa's continued inclusion under the renewed African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Zimbabwe tightens border controls on imported goods
On 16 May 2015 Zimbabwe will implement consignment verification on a wide variety of products. To read further details on this new requirement as it appeared in Business Day, as well as our comments thereon, please do click here.
ITAC lauches anti dumping investigation on wheelbarrows
On 20 June 2014 the International Trade Administration of South Africa (ITAC) initiated an anti-dumping investigation on wheelbarrows imported from the People's Republic of China.
SA discrimination against foreign ownership in security services
The controversial Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Bill has been approved by Parliament and is waiting on the signature of President Zuma. The Bill is controversial as it requires that at least 51% of the ownership and control of security services companies must be exercised by South African citizens.
Leading International Trade Lawyer
We are delighted to announce that Rian Geldenhuys has been recognised by Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards as the South African International Trade Lawyer for the year 2013.
Brazil investigating dumping by South African Tyre Manufacturers
The Brazilian Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX), part of their Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC) on June 10th, 2013 initiated an anti-dumping investigation
EU imports damaging SA agro processing sector
Business Day reports that South African agro-processing firms are struggling to compete against imports from the European Union that enter the local market duty-free because of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) South Africa has with the EU. To read the article and Trade Law Chambers' quotations, kindly click here.
© Trade Law Chambers 2013
South Africa to simplify business in Africa
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan recognises that the Budget he presented yesterday must have as one of its pillars that we should seize the available opportunities within Africa.
Limited time remaining for companies to comply with the Companies Act
In terms of the new Companies Act the memorandum and articles of association is replaced by a document known as the memorandum of incorporation or ?MOI?. The Companies Act requires every company's MOI to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act.
Upcoming Event
On 28 August 2012 Rian Geldenhuys will be presenting for the boats and floating structures sector on the following:
- Market access opportunities and obstacles for Asia, Africa &, USA
- Opportunites and threats for service providers in Africa
- Unpacking the creation of new tariffs for inputs used, increasing or decreasing duties payable and creating rebate facilities
- Protecting your intellectual property in export markets
Considerations for SA insurers expansion into sub Saharan Africa
According to media reports South Africa's short- and long-term insurers are looking at entering the sub-Saharan African market as it presents a strategic opportunity for growth. Of course insurers have been investing in sub-Saharan Africa, but there is an intensified interest in the market.
Deadline to set up social and ethics committee looms
It has almost been a year since the new Companies Act (no 71 of 2008) has been in force. Although the entire Companies Act is not yet in force in respect of all companies some provisions do supersede the old dispensation whilst others are yet to become effective.
Investing in foreign markets
There are many spectacular success stories of investing in foreign countries, but tales about the failures are often nightmarish. Often businesses are just unaware of the potential pitfalls associated with investments (whatever form the investment may take).
Society for International Economic Law Supported
The Society of International Economic Law (SIEL) is an organization that represents academically minded practitioners in the field of international economic law. The Society's biannual conference will be taking place in Barcelona, Spain from 8-10 July 2010.
Managing your import/export risks avoiding pitfalls in international transactions
The world has truly become a global marketplace. Many South African businesses have seen phenomenal import/export successes since South Africa's return to the global arena in the post-1994 era.