It can be difficult to cut through the noise and understand what Brexit really means for South Africa. The implications, depending on the outcome, will be far-reaching, but it is clear, the export of goods will be one of the areas most tangibly affected.

The victory of the Conservative Party under Alexander “Boris” de Pfeffel Johnson in the Dec. 12 British election has brought an element of increased certainty, at least in the short term, to trading conditions for the grains sector in Britain and Northern Ireland. Enormous difficulties remain before longer-term clarity can be achieved.

As the deadline for the post-Brexit trade talks between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) looms, concerns have arisen as to whether the two parties will be able to conclude a deal.