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Welcome to the latest edition of the Sassda GPS eNewsletter, your source of the latest trends and developments influencing the South African stainless steel sector. Our first edition for 2026 reflects a mix of new beginnings and fresh growth opportunities, coupled with real constraints and unresolved pressures. These include early signs of optimism in trade and economic forecasts, alongside deep shifts in global institutions, financial systems and industrial sectors. What’s clear is that all these articles highlight a year that will demand adaptability, clear thinking and steady leadership rather than easy wins. The good news is we’ll be here to help with top notch technical insight and hot-off-the press market intelligence, whenever and wherever, we can!
Enjoy the read!
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Davos 2026: Why all eyes should be on
South Africa
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South Africa has a rare pitch that it can make at the World Economic Forum (WEF) this week in the form of some of the world’s highest-grade rare earth deposits. The think tank’s research indicated that the demand for critical minerals required for clean energy technologies is projected to rise more than 3.4 times by 2040 under the International Energy Agency’s net-zero pathway…
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The World Trade Organisation is on life
support
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The United States has now withdrawn from 66 international organisations, conventions and treaties, illegally invaded Venezuela, and promoted an “America First” agenda in its new National Security Strategy. This all signals the collapse of a global system that has operated for the past 60 years. The old world order, driven by hyper-globalisation and US hegemonic power, is in its death throes, but a new era is yet to be born…
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Ferrochrome Output Slumps as Merafe
Reports Sharp 2025 Production Decline
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South Africa’s ferrochrome sector continues to feel the strain as producers grapple with weak demand, high costs, and ongoing operational challenges. In its latest update, Merafe Resources reports a sharp drop in output from its ferrochrome ventures in 2025, underlining the pressure facing the industry and raising fresh questions about near-term recovery…
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Reserve Bank’s radical move: A unified
ATM network in SA
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South Africa’s Reserve Bank is proposing the launch of a nationwide network of white-label ATMs as a cornerstone of its most significant cash-system overhaul in more than four decades, aimed at cutting costs, reducing fees and expanding access to cash across the country…
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International finance giant has great
News for South Africa
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has significantly raised South Africa’s 2025 growth forecast, following a surprising year of resilience for the country. The group’s January 2026 Economic Outlook projects that South Africa’s economy grew by 1.3% in 2025, with its early forecast for 2026 pointing to 1.4%. While this level of growth is still low relative to emerging-market peers and the Sub-Saharan region as a whole, it represents an upward trend and a significant leap from last year’s projections…
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Key survey respondents positive about
prospects for improved trade conditioNS
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The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SACCI’s) latest Trade Conditions Survey for December points to ongoing pressure on the back of a subdued domestic economy. However, the majority of respondents also expected trade conditions to improve during the first half of 2026…
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The 11 trends or factors that will shape
African affairs in 2026
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As 2026 unfolds, Africa is entering a year shaped by shifting politics, economic pressure, climate risks, and fast-moving global alliances. From elections and energy transitions to debt, technology, and geopolitics, a range of forces will influence how the continent navigates the months ahead…
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Breakthrough for Stainless Steel Service
Lines in Italy as Utilities Tackle Water Leakage
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Type 316 stainless steel flexible service lines, already proven in major Asian cities, are now gaining momentum in Italy as a durable, safe and sustainable solution to reduce water loss. In recent years, several Italian water utilities, supported by Team Stainless, have initiated programs to replace traditional service connections with Type 316 stainless steel alternatives to reduce water leakage…
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