Caspnet

SA headline inflation climbs to 2.9% South Africa's annual headline inflation rate rose slightly to 2.9% in November, despite a month-on-month increase from 2.8%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation saw a sharp decline to 2.3%, marking the lowest since December 2010. Fuel prices increased by 0.9% m-o-m in November, taking the annual rate to 13.6%. The price index for restaurants and hotels rose by 5.9% in the 12 months to November. The poorest households had the highest inflation rate since January 2022, peaking at 11,3% in April 2023. The wealthiest households registered an annual increase of 3.0% in November, slightly above the headline inflation rate. Read more:https://lnkd.in/dEHhHEyi

Goods barometer shows moderate trade growth The World Trade Organization's Goods Trade Barometer shows global goods trade expanded moderately in Q4 2024, with a reading of 102.7, above the quarterly trade volume index and baseline value of 100. However, the outlook is uncertain due to economic uncertainty and possible policy shifts. The barometer's component indices remain on or above trend, except for electronic components, which has stabilized below trend. The WTO's trade forecast for 2024 predicts a 2.7% growth in trade volume, while 2025 growth is expected to reach 3.0%. However, Asian economies' exports and North American imports grew faster than expected, while European trade flows declined. Read more:https://lnkd.in/d6C4YuBc

AfDB approves funding for Madagascan roads The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $165 million loan to Madagascar to develop trade corridors and improve regional connectivity. The funding will support the third phase of a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving trade routes across the country. The project aims to promote economic and social integration in southern Madagascar by ensuring accessibility across the region and streamlining trade facilitation procedures. The project will boost national and intra-regional trade, encourage investment, create new economic opportunities, drive economic growth, and reduce poverty. Read more:https://zurl.co/nUXKp

Another challenging year draws to a close The logistics and supply chain industry has experienced new abnormalities since Covid-19, with disruptions in EU-Asia sea trade due to Houthi rebels attacking maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope has become standard procedure. International challenges, such as Mozambique's post-election protests, have also affected the industry. The Port of Maputo has become a port of uncertainty, causing uncertainty for sector stakeholders in the sub-Saharan region. Freight News (FTW) will continue to provide accurate and current reportage from the logistics and supply chain industry, thanking its loyal supporters and sources for their support Read more:https://zurl.co/uhuBk

Lebombo border opens to travellers The Lebombo border to Mozambique is now open to travelers, with 7,471 travelers processed on December 11. This follows a temporary suspension of operations due to civil unrest on the Mozambican side of the border. The Border Management Authority (BMA) is closely monitoring developments and advising trucking companies to divert trucks to depots in Komatipoort or designated holding areas at KM7. The authority is committed to managing and resolving border challenges and urges affected parties to exercise patience and engage with relevant authorities for lasting solutions. Read more:https://zurl.co/QcJj3

Liner-operator port partnership falls through Hamburg's port operator Eurogate and CMA CGM have failed to agree on a joint development of a new terminal in Hamburg. The Westerweiterung project, a 24-hectare expansion of the Burchardkai facility, aims to increase the port's capacity by two million TEU. However, the project's financial capability has been questioned by Hamburg's municipal representatives. The project's withdrawal may open doors for other shipping companies, as Hamburg remains eager to advance the Westerweiterung project, which already has full planning approval. If confirmed, it could present an opportunity for MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, or another carrier to engage in Hamburg's next major port expansion effort. Read more:https://zurl.co/erWfl

FFS Tank Terminals wins R195 million Port of Cape Town deal Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed FFS Tank Terminals (Pty) Ltd as the preferred bidder to acquire, operate, maintain, refurbish, construct, and transfer a R195 million Liquid Bulk Terminal at the Port of Cape Town. The terminal will be run for a 25-year concession period. FFS Tank Terminals, a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, will inject an investment of R195 million into the facility, enabling infrastructure refurbishment and upgrades to enhance operational efficiency. The selection solidifies TNPA's commitment to ensuring continued liquid bulk operations, supply security, and port capacity growth. The Port of Cape Town is implementing a "phased approach" with terminal operators' appointments, with more terminals expected to undergo the concession process in the new year. Read more:https://zurl.co/nc4JT

Can Uber Help Truck Drivers and Shippers? The convergence of AI, Starlink, and robotics is set to revolutionize transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. The mashup of consumer technology, such as Google Maps and Waze, is also transforming business operations. Uber ridesharing, for example, offers Uber for Business, a company-wide solution for moving people who move boxes. J.B. Hunt, the first carrier to utilize the solution, uses it for both driver and corporate ground transportation. Benefits include ease of use, faster driver deployment, cost control, fewer driver complaints, enhanced program compliance, and simplified IRS expense reporting. The adaptive app allows for feedback to be implemented, making it a game changer for anyone using U.S. trucking services. Read more:https://zurl.co/S0GtL

Technology drives intelligent transport systems InstaToll Africa, a road infrastructure provider, has adopted a cloud-based UKG Dimensions solution to manage its workforce and data. The company, which has over 1,000 employees across Africa, found that manual interventions were inadequate for managing compliance, fair labor practices, financial management, time and attendance tracking, and other aspects of its workforce. The cloud-based UKG Dimensions was chosen due to its robust time and attendance solution, which could grow with the business and offer sound absence management as a module. The solution not only increases productivity and efficiencies but also mitigates the risk of CCMA cases, as human error is eliminated. InstaToll's most critical benefits include uniform pay policies and fair remuneration of labour. The UKG solution ensures that the right person, at the right place, at the right time, and with the right skills are employed, while accurately monitoring and assessing labour budgets and payroll. The ability to make data-driven decisions ensures sound business strategy, accurate reporting to the board, a deep understanding of risks and how to mitigate them, and empowers InstaToll to overcome reactive management. Read more:https://zurl.co/41ilg

Trade restrictive measures on the rise The World Trade Organization (WTO) has seen a significant increase in trade-restrictive measures by its members between mid-October 2023 and mid-October 2024, according to the annual overview of global trade developments. The report also highlights the introduction of trade-facilitating measures, such as tariff reductions and simplified import procedures, which covered an estimated $1 440.4bn worth of traded goods. However, there is increasing evidence of inward-looking trade policies, which could generate further uncertainty for the world economy. The stockpile of trade restrictions continues to grow, with import restrictions covering 11.8% of world imports and export restrictions covering 2.1% of world merchandise exports. Despite this, there is a silver lining, with export restrictions on food, feed, and fertilisers decreasing significantly, covering an estimated trade value of $11.8bn. Read more:https://zurl.co/Q8ikX