When your South African business buys goods from overseas, the supplier’s invoice is only part of the bill. The shipment still needs to cross the border, clear customs and reach its final destination. Along the way, import duties, VAT and other charges may need to be paid.

For years, road freight has been the backbone of South Africa’s manufacturing supply chain. Trucks link factories with suppliers, ports, warehouses, and customers across the country, moving over 80% of inland freight volume, according to Mordor Intelligence. It’s a system that’s hard to beat for its reach and flexibility.

You’ve negotiated a competitive price with your overseas supplier. The product looks profitable, the order is ready to ship and, on paper, the numbers seem to add up. Then the shipment arrives in South Africa, and the final bill is higher than expected.

For South African businesses exporting to the US, recent trade updates bring a mix of reassurance and challenge. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants eligible sub-Saharan countries preferential access to the US market for qualifying products, has been extended until 31 December 2028.