Assignment 3
Semester 2 2025
Due October 2025
, TRL3709
Assignment 3
Semester 2 2025
Year 2025
Logistics Strategy
Case Study: The evolving landscape of e-commerce supply chain in South Africa
(Engineering News, 29 Oct 2024).
Question 1.1
Identify and discuss the macroeconomic factors mentioned in the case study and
discuss their impact on the e-commerce supply chain in South Africa.
Macroeconomic Factors (Theory)
Macroeconomic factors are broad economic conditions that shape the environment in
which supply chains operate. Four key forces stand out:
1. Trade policy and tariffs. Customs duties and VAT rules directly affect the landed
cost of imports, reshaping sourcing and logistics strategies.
2. Exchange rates. Currency fluctuations influence the cost of imported goods and
the stability of pricing.
3. Economic growth and consumer demand. The strength of consumer
purchasing power determines the size of the e-commerce market and guides
inventory planning.
4. Infrastructure and logistics capacity. The quality of ports, transport, and
distribution systems affects delivery speed, reliability, and total costs.