South Africa in February 2026: the most important developments in economy
South Africa's economy in February 2026 was dominated by trade. On 6 February China granted South Africa 100 percent zero-tariff access to its market under a new partnership deal, while South Africa faced US tariffs and looked for new markets. The US Senate backed a one-year extension of AGOA, though South Africa's place in it remained open. On 20 February the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's tariffs, and on 22 February Trump announced a 15 percent tariff surcharge, the impact of which South Africa assessed. A fire at Cape Town airport on 24 February disrupted international flights and passengers were evacuated; power was restored and operations resumed on 25 February.
Eskom held an investor call to clarify its unbundling process, and on 13 February President Cyril Ramaphosa reset the unbundling plan. Anglo American warned of a third De Beers writedown in three years, posted a $3.7 billion loss on 20 February, and its chief said De Beers was likely to be sold to a consortium. Sasol's profit fell by R3 billion, while Northam Platinum's profit rose on higher metal prices.
South Africa increased fuel levies, and a fuel price rise was set for March. The government said debt was set to peak, calling it a turning point, and economic growth was forecast to reach 2 percent by 2028. South Africa offered Glencore smelters cheaper power to save jobs.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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