foreign agricultural service gain report global agriculture information network required public distribution date 2 20 2003 sf3006 south africa republic of exporter guide annual approved by richard b helm prepared margaret n ntloedibe highlights the decline in value rand relative to dollar has affected competitiveness us exports recent years consumer ready products also face strong competition from other suppliers particular eu which signed a free trade agreement with 2002 however opportunities still exist for niche and long term prospects food are positive includes psd changes no matrix pretoria sf1 sf page 1 9 unclassified usda i market overview 10 position 3 advantages challenges facing sales ii business tips 4 local customs marketing services