South Africa and Australia: Competition or co-operation?

This international update examines and corrects inaccurate underlying assumptions which cloud the relationship between South Africa and Australia. These are that Australia and South Africa are competitors with similar economies, that competition in trade is a zero-sum game, that countries like Australia and South Africa, with relatively small economies, cannot survive without tariffs and export incentives, and that Australia and South Africa cannot manufacture. The article also investigates why Australia-South Africa trade is so much lower than Australia-New Zealand Trade, and lessons that can be learned and applied to Australia-South Africa trade. The article concludes with the announcement South Africa is a featured markets at the National Trade and Investment Outlook Conference, and the author appeals to both countries to attend this Conference, to promote Australia-South Africa trade and investment, and to begin looking to the East for business opportunities.