JOHANNESBURG - The recent shifts in US trade policy – including renewed and potential tariffs – have raised questions about how these global moves could affect South Africa’s local manufacturing competitiveness, particularly in the furniture sector.
Irshaad Kathrada, CEO of the Localisation Support Fund, says the manufacturing sector has been struggling for years due to global trade pressures, exposure to cheaper Asian markets, and difficulties in accessing markets.
The latest US tariffs have only added to the complexity, he says.
“This increases the difficulties of localisation and trying to identify opportunities where we can leverage local manufacturing to satisfy demand in the local economy,” Kathrada explained.
However, there is still hope.
Kathrada shares his insights from a case study with furniture retailer Coricraft but also efforts in place to drive South Africa’s drive to boost local manufacturing and protect jobs.