Exporting

DTI: first stop for exporters

The main government body tasked with assisting exporters is the Department of Trade and industry (DTI).

As part of the country's economic strategy, the DTI is tasked with identifying and targeting key high-growth sectors, and enjoys direct access at the highest levels to both South African business sectors and trading partners. The DTI is thus positioned as the essential point of contact for anyone involved in trade and investment in SA.

The DTI also markets SA exports internationally, with teams operating from regional offices around the world providing market intelligence and identifying opportunities for SA companies, and sector specialists offering advice on export processes and procedures.

The export process is sector-specific, and sector strategies offer the framework within which exports are encouraged and incentivised. The DTI focuses on promoting sectors of the economy that have shown the greatest growth potential and marketability. These include:

Agroprocessing
Automotive and transport industries
Chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
Cultural industries
Information and communications technology and electronics
Mining and metal-based industries
Textiles, clothing, leather and footwear
Tourism

The DTI's sector specialists have a clear understanding of, and access to, the various industries, and are able to provide advice on all current export processes and procedures. Inquiries are channelled through the DTI Customer Care Centre on:

0861 843 384 (local callers)
+27 (0)11 254 9405 (international callers)

The DTI also provides incentives to exporters - with a special focus on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and black economic empowerment (BEE) exporters - through the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme.

See: Export incentives

The DTI also promotes the formation of sector-specific export councils in partnership with South African industry. These assist exporters in reaching their targets, and specifically enable small businesses in any sector to access DTI support structures.