Approximately 9 291 TEUs were handled on average each day, and 12 964 TEUs are anticipated the next week. 2 663 containers of rail goods were handled out of Durban, an increase of ↑9% over the previous week. With average crossing times of three and a half hours, truck throughput across Lebombo grew to 1,515 HGVs per day (↑3%). SA borders: 13,5 hours (↑30%); SADC: 5,0 hours (no change); cross-border queue: ↑2,2 hours; transit: ↑1,7 hours. About 60% of SA exports to the US are impacted by the US tariff that President Trump imposed, which also affects 1.3 percent of SA GDP.
Some highlights discussed this week include the following:
- US Tariffs: Systemic Impact on the Global Economy
- The US’s imposition of a blanket 10% tariff on all imports—its most protectionist move since the Great Depression—has raised the average tariff rate to ~20%, and over 36% for containerised goods.
- Despite last night’s 90-day pause, this action has triggered retaliatory responses (notably from China), raised the spectre of global stagflation, and introduced significant uncertainty into global supply chains. Shipping routes and sourcing strategies are now under reassessment.
- US Tariffs and Potential Repercussions for South Africa
- SA faces a 30% US tariff on select exports—triple the baseline rate—disproportionately affecting key sectors like vehicles, agro processing, and industrial goods. While ~40% of exports remain exempt, the exposed 60% includes high-value, job-intensive products.
- With the US absorbing 8% of SA exports, these tariffs threaten competitiveness, particularly in sectors like citrus and automotive components, where even small cost shifts can displace market share.
- Though the direct GDP impact is modest (~1.3%), the strategic implications are significant. SA is encouraged to take a measured approach, maintaining diplomatic channels, accelerating export diversification, and supporting affected firms.
- Container Shipping: Capacity Growth and Volatility
- Post-CNY, container freight rates declined more than seasonally expected, amid aggressive pricing and marked Y/Y capacity increases: ↑27% on Asia–Europe and ↑14% on Asia–NAWC routes.
Key Notes:
- An average of ~9 291 TEUs was handled per day, with ~12 964 TEUs projected for next week.
- Rail cargo handled out of Durban was reported at 2 663 containers, up by ↑9% from last week.
- Truck volumes through Lebombo increased to 1 515 HGVs/day (↑3%), with average crossing times 3,1 hrs.
- Cross-border queue: ↑2,2 hrs; transit: ↑1,7 hrs; SA borders: 13,5 hrs (↑30%); SADC: 5,0 hrs (no change).
- US tariff issued by President Trump affecting ~60% of SA exports to US and impacting 1,3% of SA GDP.
Port operations – General:
- At our container terminals, an average of 9 291 TEUs was handled per day, representing a slight decrease from 10 585 TEUs the previous week.
- For the coming week, an increased average of ~12 964 TEUs (↑40%) is predicted to be handled.
- Port operations this week were affected by inclement weather, equipment breakdowns, and vacant berths.
- The Port of Cape Town lost over 30 operational hours to poor weather, while Durban faced persistent equipment failures and similar weather-related delays.
- Eastern Cape ports experienced disruptions primarily due to vacant berths and adverse weather, with Richards Bay also conceding hours to weather.
- Maersk has confirmed that the Santa Teresa/250N will omit Cape Town, routing to Europe via Durban to mitigate wind-related delays without affecting export schedules. Additionally,
- Maersk will reduce demurrage-free days at Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Ngqura Terminals from three to two days for the Reefer Season Peak, as per Transnet’s directive.
- The container corridor near Capital Park and Pretoria experienced significant cable theft between Tuesday and Wednesday, causing rail delays.
- Lastly, TPT has postponed the Carbon Emission Reduction Tariff to 1 July 2025, and a blank sailing was announced for the Far East South Africa route in week 19 of 2025.
Read more:
Cargo Movement Report – Full Report
Cargo Movement Report – Summary Report