Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
consumerslatest news & developments
United States President, Donald Trump. (Allison Robbert, Getty Images via AFP)

Trump’s tariffs fuel economic pain for US consumers, businesses and farmers

For an agricultural sector that depends on international markets, short-term protectionist measures offer little benefit and erode long-term competitiveness

Developing countries that are the most vulnerable to climate change are angry about a new text released at COP29 on Friday, which says developed countries must pay $250 billion a year until 2035 for climate action.(Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

SA companies should focus on meeting the requirements for a ‘green economy’

The public and civil society taking action to ensure compliance with environmental sustainability local and international laws and treaties is likely to gather momentum

The uncertainty created by the possibility of a coalition government
is putting people off big-price buys

Property sales slow ahead of poll

The uncertainty created by the possibility of a coalition government is putting people off big-price buys

Maeve Commins regularly shops around for fresh food at discounted prices and freezes it to save money every month. Photo: Lyse Comins

Middle income consumers chase food bargains

The poor are assisted by taxpayers, the rich don’t feel it, but the middle class slips through through the gap in tough economic times

New legislation seeks to close regulatory gaps to protect consumers and promote a competitive digital finance system. Photo: Nadine Hutton/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Inflation: Youth use credit to supplement salaries

A report has found that young people have taken on more credit in the first quarter of 2023 compared with last year

Black Friday super sale price discount promotional bookmark

Do your homework before you spend on Black Friday to ensure the discounts are not fake

Shoppers are cautioned not to splurge on goods they don’t need, especially in this inflationary environment

Group of people working at a chicken factory doing quality control

Chicken producers scurry as prices soar

On top of record-breaking fuel hikes and rising costs of grain-based feed, consumers can expect a steep price increase in chicken

Hake fishing gets eco-label for fourth time

But endangered sharks and rays are falling through the net, and other imperilled species are being scooped up as bycatch, conservation groups warn

Artisanal gold mineworkers fill bags with ore at Manzou Farm, owned by Grace Mugabe, in 2018

Why jewellers need to vet their global supply chains

Consumers must know whether the gold and diamonds they treasure have been tainted by human rights abuses

In an increasingly multi-connected global world, UbuntuLab connects Africa to the world and to itself. (Photo: Moshopyadi Heil)

Transparency in the age of oversharing

Chief executives can make or break a brand

(John McCann)

Consumer fears hurt the economy

The recession is ‘entirely home-made’ and could be deepened widespread political uncertainty

Cyber security.

Taxing times ahead for Gordhan

Slow growth, a rising deficit — and an election — leave the finance minister little room to manoeuvre.

Economic week ahead: SA’s slumping consumer confidence

This week’s retail sales snapshot is likely to be a disappointment to pressurised SA consumers but some good news is expected for global markets.

Data stripped to sex up booze-to-healthcare ratio

Average consumers are spending their money largely on transport, housing and food.

Tax incentives available for R&D (Photo Archive)

Tax incentives available for R&D

Consumers, governments and environmental demands are making research and development a stronger imperative for companies every year.

Delinquency scars credit retailers

Add the big rise in unsecured lending to low economic growth and the problem is clear.

Good news for consumers? Sorry, there’s none

Recent months have brought the consumer a barrage of bad news.

Retailers to feel the pinch in 2013

As consumers tighten their purse strings, retailers are sticking to their game plans, writes Nicola Mawson.

Chief executive of the National Credit Regulator Nomsa Motshegare said the regulator was ­initially wary of a credit information amnesty but had since reconsidered.

Talk of credit amnesty raises alarm

An amnesty for blacklisted consumers might be on the cards early next year but if implemented poorly, it could be bad for borrowers and lenders alike.

A Makro store

Retail resources in race for returns

Fund managers are divided over South African retail shares, which have outperformed resources by 20%.