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’s commercial ports, managed by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), each play a distinct role in driving the country’s trade and economic activity. Together, they form a critical gateway for both imports and exports. Below, we highlight the latest operational challenges impacting our main ports:
The images below highlight vessels currently at anchorage pending berth at our three main ports, all of which are currently handling high volumes. Durban and Coega continue to experience extended vessel waiting times:
Sea Freight – Exports
*Capacity: Reefer season is causing space constraints on vessels which results in cancellations and rollovers to later sailings.
*Bookings: Need to be made as early as possible to secure space however this is subject to acceptance by carriers.
*Hazardous cargo bookings are being particularly affected, due to the IMO class cargo not being compatible with the reefer stows.
Bayhead Road Rehabilitation Project continues –June to December 2025: Roadworks on Bayhead Road have created a ripple effect of truck congestion on the road leading to the Durban Port.
Road & Rail – Ports outside South Africa are improving fast. Examples include Maputo (Mozambique) which has trebled its throughput. Other corridors and ports (like Lobito, Dar es Salaam, Beira) are becoming more competitive.
More RTGs coming into service at CTCT
South Africa’s port and rail freight state-owned entity has confirmed that it will unveil a fleet of brand-new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes as part of ongoing machine improvements at the Port of Cape Town.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/more-rtgs-coming-into-service-at-ctct
Plan for shifting logistics routes:
South African logistics companies and importers selling into the rest of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) should be planning for major shifts in trade f lows due to improved port, rail and road infrastructure in the region.
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/plan-for-shifting-logistics-routes-1
Global Ports & Trends
Global ports are the lifelines of international trade, moving majority of goods and linking supply chains across continents. Their efficiency directly shapes freight costs, transit times, and overall market stability. While global port developments and routings are extensive, this edition highlights only a select few key updates.
Geopolitics/demand – As of September 2025, global trade is experiencing a notable shift due to geopolitical tensions and evolving market dynamics. Stakeholders should anticipate a softening in demand volumes for the remainder of the year. This trend is prompting businesses to explore new markets and adjust their strategies accordingly. For more detailed insights, you can read the full article here: Geopolitics driving a search for new markets as demand softens
Tariffs – Duties on exports to the US – are you exempt?
Trump’s tariff hits South Africa, ANC coalition falters in response
MSC is pleased to announce a new enhanced standalone service, USA-West Africa-South Africa Express (USWASA Express), commencing 1st October 2025. In addition of calling South Africa, the USWASA Express will offer a direct connection between the United States of America – West and South Africa, with new direct port calls such as Lome and San-Pedro.
The rotation of the service is as follows:
New York – Baltimore – Savannah – Freeport – Lome – Durban – Coega – Cape Town – San Pedro – New York
China: Golden Week Holiday: Golden Week (October 1 – 8) disrupts manufacturing, logistics, and other labour-intensive sectors as suppliers, customs, and transport providers reduce or halt operations. To minimize delays, importers and suppliers should plan inventory and supply chains in advance, build buffer stocks, and adjust delivery schedules ahead of the holiday.
Spot Rates – Container spot freight rates on major east-west trades diverged this week, with Transpacific carriers benefiting from recent General Rate Increases (GRIs), while Asia-Europe rates continued to decline.
https://theloadstar.com/spots-divide-widens-as-n-europe-weakens-and-gris-support-transpac-trades/
Compliance – with import and export regulations is essential to keeping supply chains smooth and cost-effective. Adhering to tariff rules, documentation standards, and port requirements helps avoid costly delays, fines, and disruptions. It also safeguards access to key markets and builds trust with partners and authorities. In short, compliance protects your cargo, your business, and your reputation. See two important examples below:
The importance of correctly declaring container weights
Why Shippers Should Take Their Dangerous Goods Shipping Compliance Seriously
SARS tariffs amendments – With effect from 12 September 2025:
https://www.sars.gov.za/latest-news/legal-counsel-secondary-legislation-tariffs-amendments-2025-32/
As we close our September update, it’s clear the global logistics landscape remains fast-moving and full of change. With tariff adjustments, evolving country-specific regulations, and capacity pressures, staying informed is key. At SCT, we remain committed to guiding you through these challenges, ensuring high service levels and reliable solutions to keep your cargo moving smoothly.
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.
Trade talks underpin turning point for SA’s cargo industry – Saaff
Gemini partners suspend transpacific TP9 service as demand falls
https://theloadstar.com/gemini-partners-suspend-transpacific-tp9-service-as-demand-falls
Maersk pours capacity into lucrative but competitive intra-Asia trades
https://theloadstar.com/maersk-pours-capacity-into-lucrative-but-competitive-intra-asia-trades
Port operations disrupted by containers lost overboard
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/port-operations-disrupted-by-containers-lost-overboard
France faces potential disruption as national “Block Everything” strike gains momentum
https://mykn.kuehne-nagel.com/news/article/france-faces-disruption-as-national
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.