Connected Beyond Borders

Why Does It Cost So Much? How Trade and Transport Affect the Price of Everyday Goods

Yesterday, we introduced this week’s theme by looking at the significance of the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries, observed on 6 August. We learned that geography can present challenges, but that cooperation between countries can help overcome many of them.

Today, we’re bringing the discussion much closer to home by asking a question that affects every one of us:

Why does everything seem so expensive?

Whether you’re filling up your vehicle, buying groceries, purchasing school uniforms or replacing household appliances, you’ve probably noticed that prices have steadily increased over the years. While inflation is often blamed, there’s another important factor that many people don’t think about — the journey products take before they reach our shelves.

Every product has a story before it reaches the consumer.

Take something as simple as a loaf of bread. The wheat may come from one region, the flour may be milled in another, the packaging may be manufactured elsewhere, and the finished product then needs to be transported to supermarkets across the country. Every kilometre travelled costs money. Fuel, toll fees, vehicle maintenance, labour and logistics all add to the final price we pay.

Now imagine that same journey crossing international borders.

For many of Africa’s landlocked countries, imports and exports depend on neighbouring countries for access to ports. A shipment may travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres by road or rail before reaching the sea. Every border crossing, customs process, delay or infrastructure challenge increases the cost of doing business.

These are not just problems for businesses — they eventually affect ordinary families.

When transport costs rise, food prices often rise.

When fuel becomes more expensive, nearly every industry feels the impact because almost everything we buy has been transported at some point.

When roads are damaged or rail services are unreliable, deliveries take longer and businesses spend more money moving goods from one place to another.

This is why infrastructure is so important.

Good roads, efficient railways, modern ports and well-managed border posts don’t simply make travel easier — they strengthen economies. They help businesses grow, create jobs and make goods more affordable for consumers.

South Africa plays a significant role in this regard. Our ports serve not only our own economy but also provide access to international markets for several neighbouring countries. At the same time, South Africa benefits from regional trade. Many products in our shops originate from neighbouring countries, while South African businesses export goods throughout the Southern African region.

This reminds us that trade is not a one-way street.

When neighbouring countries prosper, new markets open up for businesses, employment opportunities increase and regional stability improves. A stronger Southern African economy benefits everyone.

Technology is also helping to improve trade. Digital customs systems, electronic documentation and better tracking of goods are reducing delays and making it easier for businesses to move products across borders. Investment in rail networks and transport corridors is creating new opportunities for faster and more efficient trade.

Of course, challenges remain. Congested border posts, ageing infrastructure, rising fuel costs and global economic uncertainty continue to place pressure on businesses and consumers alike. These are complex issues that require cooperation between governments, the private sector and regional organisations.

But perhaps today’s biggest takeaway is this:

Every product we buy represents the work of countless people — farmers, factory workers, truck drivers, railway operators, customs officials, retailers and many others. Our economies are connected in ways we often don’t notice.

When we hear discussions about improving roads, upgrading ports or strengthening regional trade, these are not abstract economic ideas. They are decisions that can influence the affordability of food, the competitiveness of businesses and the availability of jobs.