South Africa moves to block substandard Chinese imports as new rules target cheap goods

South Africa is tightening its grip on imports from China in a move that could reshape competition across key industries and raise the bar for goods entering the country. Beginning in September 2026, importers of selected products from China will be required to obtain Certificates of Conformity proving compliance with South African standards before theirContinue reading “South Africa moves to block substandard Chinese imports as new rules target cheap goods”

e-STORAGE and Axpo Partner on First Joint Battery Project in Italy

e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar’s energy storage unit, has partnered with Axpo to deploy an 8 MW/40 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in southern Italy. This project marks e-STORAGE’s initial venture into the Italian market and signifies a further step in its European expansion. Construction is slated to commence at the end of 2026 at Axpo’sContinue reading “e-STORAGE and Axpo Partner on First Joint Battery Project in Italy”

Pravin Gordhan’s “Back to Basics”: A Lasting Legacy for South African Governance

Pravin Gordhan, a prominent South African politician and anti-apartheid activist, championed the “Back to Basics” concept as a critical framework for improving governance in South Africa. This initiative, which he introduced during his tenure as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, aimed to address systemic dysfunctions within municipalities and restore public confidence in localContinue reading “Pravin Gordhan’s “Back to Basics”: A Lasting Legacy for South African Governance”

BHP’s Jansen Potash Project Faces Significant Cost Overruns and $2.3 Billion Impairment

BHP Group is set to record a $2.3 billion writedown on its Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan, Canada, as total costs for the Stage 2 expansion have escalated significantly. The estimated investment for Stage 2 has increased to $6.9 billion, up from the initial $4.9 billion forecast when the expansion was approved in 2023. ThisContinue reading “BHP’s Jansen Potash Project Faces Significant Cost Overruns and $2.3 Billion Impairment”

ExxonMobil to supply LNG to South Africa’s first import terminal at Richard’s Bay

ExxonMobil has signed a preliminary agreement to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to South Africa’s planned Zululand Energy Terminal, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on coal-fired electricity generation. The agreement will support the development of the Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET), which is expected toContinue reading “ExxonMobil to supply LNG to South Africa’s first import terminal at Richard’s Bay”

JCB’s hydrogen engine has been officially approved for sale and use

History is being made in the heavy machinery world! JCB’s revolutionary hydrogen combustion engine just got official approval for sale and use across Europe. After rigorous testing, eleven major licensing authorities—including Great Britain, Germany, France, and the Netherlands—have granted certification, paving the way for a massive commercial rollout. This isn’t just a minor update; it’sContinue reading “JCB’s hydrogen engine has been officially approved for sale and use”

Truckload market’s upswing ushers in driver pay hikes

Rising driver pay is typically a sign of improving truckload fundamentals. While it is still early in the upcycle, some carriers are implementing pay hikes to keep drivers happy and their equipment seated. Joliet, Illinois-based carrier GP Transco announced Monday that it has increased pay for all company drivers by 5 cents per mile. TheContinue reading “Truckload market’s upswing ushers in driver pay hikes”

Real Estate Giants Compass and Zillow Fight Over the Future of the Market

Over the past year, Zillow, the country’s largest real estate portal, and Compass, the biggest real estate brokerage in the world, have traded lawsuits and allegations of antitrust violations, all while waving the banner of consumer protection. Both companies have gobbled up competitors and become so dominant that when they shift their rules and practices,Continue reading “Real Estate Giants Compass and Zillow Fight Over the Future of the Market”

The Expanding Landscape of Data Centers Across the United States

The United States is experiencing a significant surge in data center development, driven by the escalating demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services. This expansion is reshaping local economies, energy grids, and infrastructure, while also generating considerable debate regarding its environmental and social impacts. Economic Impact and Growth Drivers The data center industry isContinue reading “The Expanding Landscape of Data Centers Across the United States”

Fitch has upgraded SA for the first time in 21 years

Fitch has upgraded South Africa’s credit rating for the first time in almost 21 years, lauding its “prudent” management of government finances and progress in reining in state debt. Fitch hiked South Africa’s Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings to “BB” from “BB-”, with a stable outlook. Treasury noted in a statement that South Africa is nowContinue reading “Fitch has upgraded SA for the first time in 21 years”