Intra-industry trade is a new phenomenon in international trade theory and has attracted interest from economists, in the form of both empirical and theoretical work. The first attempt to measure the extent of intra-industry trade in South Africa was under taken by Simson (1987). In his study Simson (1987) found that the amount of intra-industry trade accounted for only one-third of total trade. This is low compared to many industrialized countries. This thesis aims to analyze the extent of intra-industry trade within the context of trade liberalization. Chapter two provides the evolution, background and an overview of the literature of the concept of intra-industry trade. This chapter is followed by a presentation of the different measurement of intra-industry trade. But, however the Grubel Lloyd (1975) index remains the most commonly used index in the literature. A fourth chapter estimated the level of intra-industry trade in South Africa for the period 1972 to 1993. This chapter concludes that intra-industry trade in South Africa is a real phenomenon and not just a statistical novelty as argued by Finger (1975). It was is concluded that intra-industry trade is low when compared to most of its trading partners and there remains much scope for the growth of intra-industry trade. The fifth chapter discusses the role of regional integration and intra-industry trade. It is concluded that the levels of intra-industry trade between South Africa and with the countries in the Southern African region is relatively low when compared to the intra-industry trade between South Africa and its major trading partners, nevertheless there remains scope for the growth of intra-industry trade within the region as the countries become more similar. Chapter six discusses the commercial and welfare effects of intra-industry trade, concluding that there are advantages to be gained from intra-industry trade. Chapter seven analyses the effect of tariff levels on intra-industry trade in South Africa. Weak support was found for the height of tariffs and intra-industry trade in South Africa. Given the reduction of tariff lines in terms of the GATT requirement, it is anticipated that levels of intra-industry trade in South Africa will increase and there is much to gain in terms of welfare than inter industry trade. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2001.

This thesis reveals key issues that have been identified by practitioners, Japanese and South African, supported by the appropriate theory, that may pre-empt potential problems that arise between South Africans and Japanese as a result of behavioural differences, expectations and general approach to business. By understanding, addressing, or altering behaviour, the competitive advantage and synergy may be realised. The objective of this study is to assist individuals and companies by offering ten recommendations for consideration when entering into a Japanese-South African business relationship. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Exports have considerable effects on economic growth, employment and trade so it is crucial to understand the factors that are responsible for their variation. This study analyses the fundamental determinants of exports using annual South African data covering the period 1980 to 2006. It initially provides an overview of the South African export structure and export growth. A review of theoretical determinants is then specified. The study tests for stationarity and cointegration using the Johansen (1991, 1995) methodology. A vector error correction model is run to provide robust determinant variables on exports. The following variables which have been found to have a long run relationship with exports include: the domestic price of exports, real effective exchange rate, trade openness, foreign income and price of inputs (cost of production). The estimate of the speed of adjustment coefficient found in this study indicates that about 96% of the variation in exports from its equilibrium level is corrected within one year. The results that have emerged from this analysis corroborate the theoretical predictions and are also supported by previous researchers or studies.

Sub-Saharan African nations are highly dependent on the agricultural sector for livelihoods. South Africa and Nigeria depend on agriculture due to the availability of abundant land, labour and natural resources. According to the theory of comparative advantage a state exports the products that it has a comparative advantage in and imports those where it does not have a comparative advantage. This is facilitated by international trade. International trade is defined as trade among nations that enables a nation to buy certain products that it cannot produce from other nations at a cheaper rate. Furthermore, it is expected that every sovereign state would be able to provide not only food and water but also good access to sufficient food and water to its people. Section 27.1b of Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution of 1996 and Article 16 of Nigeria’s Constitution of 1999 enshrine this provision. A number of factors impact food security. The first is international trade. This is spelt out in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). The agreement establishing the WTO is commonly known as the “Marrakesh Agreement.” It was signed in Marrakesh, Morocco on the 15th of April, 1994, at the end of the Uruguay Round of Multiple Trade Negotiations. The AoA consists of three pillars: market access, export subsidies and domestic support .Market access requires all parties to the AoA to remove non-tariff barriers which comprise of import quotas and restrictions and convert them to tariffs; a process known as ‘tariffication’. States are also obliged to reduce export subsidies at the same time as increasing their imports. Domestic support, states are to remove subsidy it gives to its people a process that increases the price of goods. Another factor is trade liberalization. This study examines the effects of WTO agricultural trade liberalization on food security and the mechanisms available to address this issue. It focuses on the food security implications of the WTO AoA and asserts that the AoA favours agricultural producers in developed countries. The study seeks to ascertain the extent to which the realization of the objectives of the agreement will promote food security by looking into the abovementioned three pillars and their relationship with food security. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.