Import and Export
by Dave MacDonald
THE CHINA
EFFECT
- eroding SA’s
economy, increasing
unemployment and
delivering inferior
products
We’ve all heard the saying ‘local is lekker’ and seen
campaigns by local manufacturers urging us to
support South African brands.
However, the China effect is being felt the world
over, our own country included, as businesses and
retailers increasingly look towards the Far East to
source cheaper products rather than supporting
local manufacturers.
S
outh Africa has more recently felt the effect in the
The increase in the number of Chinese imported products
local electrical manufacturing industry that has
has led to many of these manufacturers going as far as ship-
also come under threat. The lure of these cheaper,
ping the goods themselves, encouraging local suppliers to
mass produced electrical components has resulted
take advantage of cheap products.
in an increasing number of imports at the expense of locally
produced products.
While cheaper imported products may be appealing on the
surface, the effect of importing such large numbers of goods
is detrimental to the local economy.
More often than not these imports are without warranty and
may be produced using inferior methods and materials.
Importing products also circumnavigates the problems of
labour in South Africa.
Obtaining quality certifications and approvals in South Africa
has also made the import of Chinese manufactured electrical
equipment an attractive prospect.
All locally produced products should be tested by the SABS
for compliance, but this is a lengthy process. In comparison,
In electrical manufacturing uncertified inferior products can
if a product is manufactured in China, it will be tested at an
be incredibly dangerous, causing short circuits, fires and
accredited test house and a certificate will be issued within
other problems that can result in the loss of human life.
seven working days.
12
• logistics in action • october 2014