NATIONAL NEWS - The Western Cape’s export growth strategy and the need to diversify international markets were key topics at the second Biannual Export Industry Dialogue in Cape Town on Tuesday, 13 October.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of economic diplomacy, trade growth and tourism in protecting existing jobs and creating new employment opportunities.
“Every shipment that leaves our province represents a livelihood for a family back home. That is why we are fiercely committed to economic diplomacy, to protect jobs and build a runway for 200 000 more,” Winde said.
He acknowledged that government could not remove every obstacle to economic growth but said the province would do everything within its power to address blockages and reduce the impact of global disruptions.
The dialogue brought together stakeholders from across the export sector to discuss ways to grow provincial exports and improve coordination across the industry.
A key priority is to diversify export markets across Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia and the Middle East, reducing reliance on individual markets and strengthening the province’s resilience to international trade disruptions.
A survey conducted ahead of the dialogue found that 89% of the export bodies surveyed identified high market-entry costs and tariffs as concerns, while more than 70% raised concerns about port efficiency.
The Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 sets out a long-term roadmap to grow the province’s international trade. Its targets include generating R408 billion in exports for Cape Town, creating more than 200 000 jobs through increased exports and adding 1 000 active exporters by 2035.
“Our economy’s strength is built on international partnerships. Where we encounter trade challenges, we remain committed to constructive economic diplomacy,” Winde said.
US tariffs highlight need for market diversification
The United States’ tariffs on South African goods remained a prominent concern during the discussions.
In 2025, the Western Cape accounted for more than 50% of South Africa’s agricultural and agri-processing exports to the US. The province also contributes significantly to national exports of seafood, yachts and vessels, jewellery, beauty products and vehicle engine components to the American market.
However, South African exports to the US fell by 16.2% between August 2025 and July 2026.
European countries have largely helped fill the gap left by the US tariffs, presenting new opportunities for Western Cape exporters. However, these emerging trade relationships could face additional pressure as the European Union increasingly requires goods to meet decarbonisation standards.
Winde said the province’s progress in renewable energy could help local exporters respond to these demands and remain competitive internationally.
“We are ahead of our own targets for renewable energy generation,” he said, adding that renewable sources could account for about 50% of the Western Cape’s energy use within the next year.
He cited the recently inaugurated Riversdale Solar Plant and Helderhoop Solar and Storage Plant as examples of projects that could help deliver more affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly energy.
“Projects like these will not only result in cheaper, more environmentally friendly and reliable energy for our residents; they will also help our exporters to produce goods which comply with the growing global demand for carbon-neutral manufacturing, enhancing their competitiveness as a result,” Winde said.
Partnership key to accelerating job creation
The Premier said the province needed to build on its progress in creating employment by addressing the barriers that continue to constrain economic growth.
While the Western Cape’s unemployment rate was below 20%, he said more needed to be done to bring it down further.
“We are doing well in our apex priority of creating jobs through economic growth, but we need to be doing better,” Winde said.
He added that engagements between government and the private sector were essential to identifying challenges, finding practical solutions and implementing them quickly.
“Dialogues like this one help us come together with the private sector to find the issues, fix them, and fix them quickly,” he said.
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