Here’s the thing about exporting from South Africa: if you want your goods to glide through customs and reach their destination on time, you can’t afford paperwork slip-ups. The real trick? Nail your commercial invoice, every single time.

South African exporters, buckle up: 2026 marks a turning point for cross-border trade on the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is rolling out a new chapter of duty-free rules, and this isn’t just a tweak in the margins.

South Africa’s busiest ports, Durban and Cape Town, have been quietly gearing up for something big. Since 2025, the talk has been about upgrades, new partnerships, and a fresh approach to moving goods in and out of the country.

If you’re sourcing from China, there’s one date you can’t afford to miss, Chinese New Year. For South African businesses, this isn’t just another public holiday.