Welcome to our mid-month edition of our Global Logistics Update. Based on valuable feedback, we have shifted to a monthly format, with a mid-month release when recent global market developments warrant timely insights. In this issue, we explore the most pressing topics from across the supply chain landscape.
South African Ports
South Africa is home to a network of commercial ports managed by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), each with a unique role in supporting our country’s trade and economic output. Collectively, these ports serve as essential conduits for the export and import of goods for South Africa and we expand below on the most recent field challenges at our key ports:
The images below highlight vessels currently at anchorage pending berth at our three main ports, with Durban and Coega experiencing an increase in vessel waiting time.
Bayhead Road Rehabilitation Project continues – June to December 2025 – Progress reports on the project remain positive, with only minimal delays recorded to date. However, transporters have recently highlighted growing congestion and increased standing times for trucks being diverted along the alternative routes.
Road & Rail – SA border posts continue to face congestion and challenges around customs and verification of certificates.
How Traxtion Is Driving Economic Momentum in the SADC Region
“When we unlock reliable rail corridors in Africa, we unlock new mining, manufacturing and agricultural activities, we keep the existing mines producing, factories staying open, and ports operating at their designed capacities. That is what industries need right now.”
https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/how-traxtion-is-driving-economic-momentum-in-the-sadc-region
South Africa to send delegation to White House
“We will continue engaging with the USA to identify practical solutions. The President will be sending the delegation once again to the White House to engage with the US administration on this matter,” he said.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/south-africa-to-send-delegation-to-white-house
Quarterly Review lists highs and lows of SA’s logistics recovery
However, whereas these initiatives and completed structural reforms are certainly ambitious, “implementation remains uneven”, the QR says
Global Ports
Global ports are the lifelines of international trade, handling most of the world’s goods and connecting supply chains across continents. As hubs for imports and exports, their performance directly impacts freight costs, transit times, and overall market stability. Keeping track of global port developments is crucial, though in this short edition we focus only on select key highlights.
GLOBAL PORT UPDATES:
Tropical storm Podul drenches southern China – The storm brings heavy rain and strong winds and is expected to impact port and cargo transport operations
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-08-14-tropical-storm-podul-drenches-southern-china/
Airfreight – Imports and exports are currently flowing without major disruptions, global uncertainty however in the horizon.
Uncertainty weighs on air cargo market
‘Air freight is headed for turbulence in the coming months due to a dynamic trade environment that complicates predictions of market developments,’
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/uncertainty-weighs-on-air-cargo-market
Unstable schedules and increase in roll overs
We wish to bring to your attention some current challenges affecting global shipping operations. At present, we at SCT, are experiencing a lack of schedule stability across several services, with last-minute schedule changes and booking challenges. This is causing an increase in rollovers, with some containers delayed after being loaded into port—resulting in delays that cannot be immediately rectified. We are closely monitoring the situation with carriers and will continue to keep clients updated while working to minimise delays.
As we close our August update, it’s clear that the global logistics landscape remains highly dynamic. With SARS tariff amendments, country-specific certificates being enforced, and shipping lines rolling out general rate increases, importers and exporters alike must remain vigilant and informed about their shipping routes and tariffs as these can change without prior notice. Each of these developments directly impacts the overall cost of moving goods, and careful planning is essential to mitigate disruptions and manage expenses effectively.
Freight News
We understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in our industry and we wish to highlight just a few articles which you might find of interest.
Rising confidence in SA’s small businesses amid growing pains
Blow to SA’s trade arteries with Maersk discontinuing direct US route
Container moves at SA ports demonstrate sustained improvement
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/container-moves-at-sa-ports-demonstrate-sustained-improvement
Trump says semiconductor tariffs to come next week
https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/trump-semiconductor-tariffs-next-week/757778
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / Openpr / Transnet / WeFreight / MSC / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics+News / Flexport / SACO / Hellenic Shipping / Worldcargonews/ Maritime Executive / GCaptain/ Linerlytica / Sea Intelligence / Splash247 / Freight Waves / Xeneta / JOC / IOL / Kuehne Nagel.