S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.11 No.26, June 30 2025
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ITAC probe into increased minimum footwear duties may be close to recommendation
Pretoria, Gauteng, SA – The investigation by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) into increasing the minimum duty on 32 footwear tariff lines, to R20/pair, should be close to making a recommendation, judging by its published timelines.
The current duty, which is 30% or R5/pair, whichever is greater, dates from 1996, and ITAC’s investigation was announced in the Government Gazette of 22 November 2024, under the heading: ITAC’s self-initiation of an investigation for an increase in the alternate rate of Customs duty on various footwear products classifiable under Chapter 64 of the Customs & Excise Act, No. 91 of 1964, from 30% or 500c/2u to 30% or 2000c/2u.
It said the reasons for the investigation were:
“The former Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (Ebrahim Patel), requested ITAC to consider investigating an increase of the alternate specific duty on various footwear products from R5.00 per pair to R20.00 per pair (as per 2022 inflation rate) classifiable under Chapter 64 of the Customs and Excise Act. As reason for the request, it was submitted that the current alternate duty was not adjusted for inflation since 1996, and the inflation rate may have eroded the protection offered by the alternate rate of R5.00 per pair.
“In light of the former Minister’s request, ITAC is self-initiating an investigation for an increase in the alternate rate of customs duty on various footwear products classifiable under Chapter 64 in terms of Section16(1)(d)(ii) of the International Trade Administration Act, No. 71 of 2002, read together with Regulation 17(3) of the Amended Tariff Investigations Regulations.”
It gave 8 weeks from the date of the Gazette for submissions to be made.
On 22 May 2025, it was announced that the scope of the investigation had been expanded to include a number of specific safety footwear categories.
“Subsequently, the domestic safety footwear industry noted that only 4 of the 27 tariff lines under review relate to safety footwear. In this regard, the industry requested the inclusion of tariff subheadings 6401.10, 6401.99.10, 6401.99.90, 6403.40 and 6403.99.40 into the current review as well as considering the implementation of a uniform combination duty structure with a specific duty of R50 per pair. The industry stated, amongst others, that the expansion of the scope would ensure effective protection against similarly low-priced imports of safety footwear. Furthermore, the Commission is also requesting comment on instances where there may be the possibility that this proposed level of a specific duty of R50 per pair on the relevant safety footwear tariff subheadings, may exceed the current WTO bound rate of 30% ad valorem.”
The 6401 tariff codes cover various types of fully moulded gumboots with protective toecaps. The 6403 codes cover leather safety boots and shoes.
ITAC told S&V it took the following factors into account:
(a) The domestic industry’s production capacity and potential;
(b) Employment;
(c) Investment;
(d) Price differentials between the domestically manufactured product and the imported product;
(e) Market shares;
(f) Import and export data;
(g) Demand and supply conditions;
(h) The financial state of the domestic industry, including profitability and return on investment ratios;
(i) Price and cost structures; and
(j) The availability of a domestically manufactured identical or substitute product.
NB: This list of factors is not exhaustive, nor can one or several of these factors necessarily give decisive guidance.
Asked when it was likely to make a decision, it wrote: “ITAC is still in the process of evaluating information at its disposal. With respect to timeframes, please note that once all information is accepted as properly documented, ITAC aims to finalise its ordinary customs duty tariff amendment investigation within a six-month period. This timeframe for completing a full investigation applies only to the ITAC process of making a recommendation to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (The Minister). Once concluded, the Commission’s recommendations are forwarded to the Minister for approval and where an amendment of the customs duty is required, the Minister will forward a request to the Minister of Finance to implement the amendment/s.”
Trading conditions
Cold winter helping sales
Anton Klopper, Director, Kloppers (Pty) Ltd
Bloemfontein, Free State, SA – We have had a very good year thus far. In March, April and May we were up on last year. June is on par.
They predicted a warm winter for us, but we are having a cold one, and our seasonal department (heaters, woodstoves, etc.) is booming.
Luckily, we have no problems getting stock, and we don't have local issues that are affecting our trading.
Our camping and outdoor apparel is doing very good, especially the gun shop with their Sniper range of jackets.
In case you missed it!
The June issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine
S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine Vol91 No6 June 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
03 Upfront
- Running remains a difficult market for brands to break into – comment by Jax Snyman of The Sweat Shop.
- The striking difference between the top brands here and in the US – comment by Gordon Howie of Randburg Runner.
- Technically, all the brands have good models – comment by Werner Steinbach of Run A Way.
- Running is a global focus for Adidas; locally, we want to help Cape Town achieve International Major Marathon status – comment by Tom Brown of Adidas SA.
- That bag goes on auction – the ORIGINAL Hermès Birkin bag.
10 Headlines with Tinashe Mandirahwe
- U.S. footwear industry unites again to oppose crushing tariffs.
- Back to Amazon, up with prices – is Nike’s comeback plan enough?
- Your next Dollar might have an Amazon or Walmart logo.
13 Noticeboard
- Back in the day: When overseas travel was a real trip, Part II. Brian Zyster recalls range building by travel in the 1980s and 90s.
Advertisers in this Issue
Arena Trims (07), East Asian Import & Export (04), Freestyle Genuine Handcrafted Leather (02), Haesloop Agencies (09), Kaytex Belts (13), Leather Finishing Products (11), Saddler Belts (OFC), SAFLEC (08), S&V Calendar (01), S&V Directory (05), Shotland Packaging (15).
They Said It
"No, I did not, I choose fights I can win...usually by 50 metres." - Rob McCann, Treadsafe, Pinetown, KZN, SA, asked whether he had made a submission to ITAC regarding footwear import duties.
Got anything you'd like to share?
Do you have any suggestions, comments or experiences about the industry that you'd like to share with the industry? - tony@svmag.co.za
New subscribers last week
Cynthia, Asilondembokodo community center, Mzinoni town ship, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Sim Fihla, Snr Buying Manager, Superbalist, South Africa
Birthdays this week
30/06/1948: John Ashworth, Little Slipper, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA.
30/06/1964: Raj Singh, Mr Price, Durban, KZN, SA.
01/07/1953: Bobby Janky, retired, formerly Michelle Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
01/07/1963: Tommy Sharma, Bata SA, Durban, KZN, SA.
02/07/1949: Maria Augusta Craveiro, Goosie’s, Ladybrand, Free State, SA.
02/07/1959: Leo Greef, formerly Southern Hemisphere Trading Trust, Uitenhage, E. Cape, SA.
02/07/1967: Yusuf Vadi, Leggenda Sport, Lenasia, Gauteng, SA.
02/07/1971: Rajeev Matai, Equator Belt, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
02/07/1971: Suritha Naicker, Ethekwini Leather, Durban, KZN, SA.
03/07/1971: Steven Coetser, Safety Smart, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
03/07/1949: Pieter Coetzee, Assegaay Bosch Ranch, Van Wyksdorp, W. Cape, SA.
03/07/1976: Michelle van Emmenes, Paris Belts, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
04/07/1952: Eddie Lahee, retired, formerly Shoeperama (closed), Durban, KZN, SA.
04/07/1956: Warren Wareing, Island Style, Durban, KZN, SA.
04/07/1967: Martin MacGregor, Bay Solutions, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA.
04/07/19xx: Clare Jones, Zip-Code, Umhlanga, KZN, SA.
05/07/1941: Judy Powell, formerly Footwork, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA, retired to Uvongo, KZN, SA.
06/07/1974: Gary Gilder, formerly Bolton Footwear, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
In memoriam this week
01/07/2016: Matthew Barnard (b. 07/05/1936), Stanhope Boot & Shoe, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
02/07/1997: Clemente Villani, Villani Shoes, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
02/07/2010: Justin McCarthy (b. 29/01/1958), Groundcover, Curry’s Post, KZN, SA.
02/07/2019: Cecil Hansen (b. 08/01/1936), C.L. Hansen Agencies, Durban, KZN, SA.
03/07/2021: Debbie Ditchfield (b. 15/10/1975), machinery agent, Hillcrest, KZN, SA.
04/07/2010: Kasieprasad Pattundeen (b. 29/12/1924), Palm Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
05/07/1999: Norman Berrill, Jack & Jill [closed], Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, freelance designer, Durban, KZN, SA.
06/07/1996: Eric Waterworth, King Tanning Company [closed], Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA.
06/07/2020: Malcolm Novos (b. 28/04/1949), Economic Shoe Store, Paarl, W Cape, SA.
Have you let us know about your birthday, or the birthdays of your colleagues? Our readers love this section, so please become part of it. This also applies to the In Memoriam section. Help us remember former colleagues.
Directory entries updated last week
Finlam Technical (Pty) Ltd, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
Master Randings cc, Durban, KZN, SA.
 
Exchange rates
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
1. SA Rand (ZAR)/Lesotho Loti (LSL)/Namibian Dollar (NAD)/Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 01/03/2025 |
R19.38 |
R23.50 |
R18.68 |
R 2.56 |
| 08/03/2025 |
R19.73 |
R23.53 |
R18.22 |
R 2.52 |
| 15/03/2025 |
R19.78 |
R23.49 |
R18.16 |
R 2.51 |
| 22/03/2025 |
R19.71 |
R23.54 |
R18.22 |
R 2.51 |
| 29/03/2025 |
R19.88 |
R23.77 |
R18.34 |
R 2.52 |
| 05/04/2025 |
R20.93 |
R24.73 |
R19.10 |
R 2.62 |
| 12/04/2025 |
R21.73 |
R25.03 |
R19.13 |
R 2.62 |
| 18/04/2025 |
R21.44 |
R25.00 |
R18.83 |
R 2.57 |
| 26/04/2025 |
R21.23 |
R24.85 |
R18.65 |
R 2.56 |
| 03/05/2025 |
R20.79 |
R24.42 |
R18.40 |
R 2.53 |
| 10/05/2025 |
R20.47 |
R24.20 |
R18.19 |
R 2.51 |
| 17/05/2025 |
R20.14 |
R23.96 |
R18.04 |
R 2.50 |
| 24/05/2025 |
R20.28 |
R24.12 |
R17.84 |
R 2.48 |
| 02/06/2025 |
R20.42 |
R24.23 |
R17.89 |
R 2.48 |
| 05/06/2025 |
R20.26 |
R24.06 |
R17.78 |
R 2.47 |
| 14/06/2025 |
R20.73 |
R24.35 |
R17.94 |
R 2.49 |
| 21/06/2025 |
R20.75 |
R24.23 |
R18.01 |
R 2.50 |
| 28/06/2025 |
R20.88 |
R24.46 |
R17.82 |
R 2.48 |
2. Botswana Pula
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 01/03/2025 |
14.29 |
17.32 |
13.77 |
1.89 |
| 08/03/2025 |
14.78 |
17.63 |
13.65 |
1.88 |
| 15/03/2025 |
14.83 |
17.62 |
13.62 |
1.88 |
| 22/03/2025 |
14.74 |
17.60 |
13.62 |
1.87 |
| 29/03/2025 |
14.71 |
17.57 |
13.58 |
1.87 |
| 05/04/2025 |
15.17 |
17.92 |
13.85 |
1.90 |
| 12/04/2025 |
15.78 |
18.18 |
13.90 |
1.90 |
| 18/04/2025 |
15.67 |
18.27 |
13.76 |
1.88 |
| 26/04/2025 |
15.67 |
18.33 |
13.77 |
1.89 |
| 03/05/2025 |
15.39 |
18.08 |
13.62 |
1.87 |
| 10/05/2025 |
15.28 |
18.06 |
13.58 |
1.87 |
| 17/05/2025 |
15.11 |
17.98 |
13.54 |
1.87 |
| 24/05/2025 |
15.34 |
18.26 |
13.49 |
1.87 |
| 02/06/2025 |
15.30 |
18.16 |
13.40 |
1.86 |
| 05/06/2025 |
15.28 |
18.15 |
13.41 |
1.86 |
| 14/06/2025 |
15.46 |
18.16 |
13.38 |
1.86 |
| 21/06/2025 |
15.43 |
18.02 |
13.39 |
1.86 |
| 28/06/2025 |
15.60 |
18.27 |
13.31 |
1.85 |
3. Malawian Kwacha (MWK) (buying)
Source: https://www.rbm.mw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
1836.44 |
2224.46 |
1717.02 |
95.68 |
| 08/03/2025 |
1912.31 |
2278.93 |
1717.02 |
97.50 |
| 15/03/2025 |
1917.62 |
2286.82 |
1717.02 |
96.82 |
| 22/03/2025 |
1916.03 |
2286.89 |
1717.02 |
97.27 |
| 29/03/2025 |
1907.36 |
2287.95 |
1717.02 |
97.04 |
| 05/04/2025 |
1956.35 |
2309.52 |
1717.02 |
93.40 |
| 12/04/2025 |
2004.45 |
2308.11 |
1717.02 |
91.33 |
| 18/04/2025 |
2009.58 |
2339.94 |
1717.02 |
93.66 |
| 26/04/2025 |
2006.57 |
2351.62 |
1717.02 |
94.02 |
| 03/05/2025 |
2002.68 |
2353.74 |
1717.02 |
96.02 |
| 10/05/2025 |
1988.00 |
2342.77 |
1717.02 |
97.06 |
| 17/05/2025 |
1983.41 |
2357.10 |
1717.02 |
98.16 |
| 24/05/2025 |
2000.56 |
2377.61 |
1717.02 |
98.49 |
| 02/06/2025 |
2017.01 |
2393.35 |
1717.02 |
98.73 |
| 05/06/2025 |
2022.14 |
2396.01 |
1717.02 |
99.61 |
| 14/06/2025 |
2040.88 |
2395.83 |
1717.02 |
98.50 |
| 21/06/2025 |
2037.88 |
2384.86 |
1717.02 |
98.25 |
| 28/06/2025 |
2070.95 |
2429.43 |
1717.02 |
99.17 |
4. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) (buying)
Source: https://www.boz.zm/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
29.67 |
35.91 |
28.51 |
1.54 |
| 08/03/2025 |
31.07 |
36.95 |
28.59 |
1.57 |
| 15/03/2025 |
31.17 |
37.02 |
28.61 |
1.57 |
| 22/03/2025 |
31.21 |
37.25 |
28.82 |
1.58 |
| 29/03/2025 |
30.80 |
36.95 |
28.55 |
1.57 |
| 05/04/2025 |
30.69 |
36.18 |
27.84 |
1.46 |
| 12/04/2025 |
32.17 |
37.01 |
28.19 |
1.46 |
| 18/04/2025 |
28.42 |
37.65 |
32.29 |
1.51 |
| 26/04/2025 |
31.80 |
37.33 |
28.02 |
1.48 |
| 03/05/2025 |
31.59 |
37.06 |
27.84 |
1.51 |
| 10/05/2025 |
29.81 |
35.19 |
26.47 |
1.45 |
| 17/05/2025 |
30.02 |
35.64 |
26.82 |
1.48 |
| 24/05/2025 |
30.95 |
36.89 |
27.34 |
1.52 |
| 02/06/2025 |
30.13 |
35.83 |
26.59 |
1.48 |
| 05/06/2025 |
28.79 |
34.19 |
25.29 |
1.42 |
| 14/06/2025 |
28.00 |
32.89 |
24.32 |
1.34 |
| 21/06/2025 |
26.59 |
31.18 |
23.10 |
1.28 |
| 28/06/2025 |
27.76 |
32.49 |
23.66 |
1.32 |
5. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Source: Source: https://www.rbz.co.zw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US$ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
ZIG 27.59 |
ZIG 33.42 |
ZIG 26.56 |
ZIG 0.69 |
| 08/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.79 |
ZIG 34.32 |
ZIG 26.64 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 15/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.91 |
ZIG 34.51 |
ZIG 26.66 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 22/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.90 |
ZIG 34.52 |
ZIG 26.70 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 29/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.85 |
ZIG 34.60 |
ZIG 26.74 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 05/04/2025 |
ZIG 29.68 |
ZIG 35.06 |
ZIG 26.78 |
ZIG 0.70 |
| 12/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.29 |
ZIG 34.88 |
ZIG 26.81 |
ZIG 0.72 |
| 18/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.44 |
ZIG 35.41 |
ZIG 26.79 |
ZIG 0.71 |
| 26/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.38 |
ZIG 35.62 |
ZIG 26.80 |
ZIG 0.70 |
| 03/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.33 |
ZIG 35.71 |
ZIG 26.81 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 10/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.11 |
ZIG 35.49 |
ZIG 26.84 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 17/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.11 |
ZIG 35.79 |
ZIG 26.86 |
ZIG 0.67 |
| 24/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.45 |
ZIG 36.18 |
ZIG 26.89 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 02/06/2025 |
ZIG 30.60 |
ZIG 36.31 |
ZIG 26.92 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 05/06/2025 |
ZIG 30.79 |
ZIG 36.54 |
ZIG 26.94 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 14/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.06 |
ZIG 36.50 |
ZIG 26.97 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 21/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.10 |
ZIG 36.42 |
ZIG 26.99 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 28/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.48 |
ZIG 36.97 |
ZIG 26.93 |
ZIG 0.66 |
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
ABSA Agri Trends: Hides & skins prices
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (27 June 2025) – The current average hide price increased by 0.27% to R2.4764/kg from R2.4697/kg a week ago. The current price is 0.64% higher than the average price a month ago and was 22.9% lower than the average price a year ago. The range of prices reported was as follows: Minimum price: R2.00 Maximum price: R2.99. Please note: Our methodology weighs the prices we collect according to the number of hides they sell in a month. This is done to make it more representative of the prevailing market price. NB* Hide prices are determined by the average of the RMAA (Red Meat Abattoir Association) and independent companies. - Marlene Louw, senior agricultural economist, Nkhensani Mashimbyi, agricultural economist, and Zama Sangweni, agricultural economist, ABSA group.
Note: For previous prices, see HERE
Have a look at these links
We invite businesses to send us links to websites, Facebook pages and the like which they feel would be of interest to others. The links below are from our database:
Hello Quality (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA. Horse riding boot manufacturer.
Henk Human Inc., Pretoria, Gauteng, SA. Orthotist & prosthetist.
THIS WEEK LAST YEAR!
Footwear, tanning settle wages
Nike forecasts surprise revenue fall as upstarts steal market share; stock dives
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.10 No.27, July 1 2024
THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO!!
Tanners, footwear manufacturers seek suspension of wage increase this year
‘Black Lives Matter’ trademark applications surge after protests
Stock Exchange News Service (SENS)
- Pepkor: Accelerated bookbuild offering, trading update
- AVI: Trading statement and update
- Mr Price: Final results March 2020
- No-one's immune: Nike's fourth quarter income statement review shows huge drop
Movement: Darren Cooke has been transferred to Egypt
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.6 No.26, June 29, 2020
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
All the past S&V Weekly Newsletters from January 2016 onwards are available in the newsletter archive.
VIEW THE ARCHIVE - CLICK HERE
Contact us
News & Classifieds: Tony Dickson, +27 (0)31 209 7505, tony@svmag.co.za
Next newsletter: Monday 07 July, 2025. Ad and editorial deadline Friday 04 July.
SAFLIA enquiries: Tel 0800SAFLIA * Email info@saflia.co.za * Website http://www.saflia.co.za
Our website www.svmag.co.za
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