As we near the end of the final quarter, the global logistics and supply chain landscape remains dynamic, influenced by changing economic conditions, geopolitical developments, and operational factors. Peak season pressure is being felt across supply chains worldwide, with certain ports experiencing congestion, while others continue to battle yard and capacity constraints along with occasional delays at main terminals driven by infrastructure and equipment limitations. Freight capacity, cost visibility, and transit predictability remain key watchpoints for shippers as demand patterns fluctuate across markets including those linked to South Africa. In this Global Logistics Update, we outline the latest market shifts, developments, and new opportunities shaping international trade as we prepare for 2026.
South African Trade
South Africa’s ports continue to play a critical role in keeping trade moving, supporting everything from consumer goods and machinery to fuel and industrial inputs. In 2025, performance has improved noticeably, local terminals are handling more containers than they have in recent years, helped by new equipment, better productivity, and stronger weekly volumes. However, challenges remain. Weather disruptions, equipment breakdowns, and uneven performance between terminals still lead to delays and occasional congestion. For importers and exporters, this means advance planning and having supply chain visibility remains essential to avoid unexpected disruption.
Key Improvements in 2025
- Container handling volumes are higher than recent years, with terminals managing stronger weekly and monthly throughput.
- Equipment upgrades and operational reforms are now translating into improved crane productivity and shorter anchorage times. In Durban, the average vessel wait at anchorage has come down significantly from 18 days in January to just 2–3 days currently.
- Some ports have seen improved turnaround times, contributing to more consistent cargo flow during peak seasons.
- Early signs of recovery continue to build confidence for importers and exporters heading into 2026.
Ongoing Challenges:
- Delays still occur due to weather, equipment breakdowns, port booking limitations and uneven terminal performance.
- Yard and gate congestion remain risks during high-volume periods.
- Port booking availability can tighten quickly, especially in Durban.
- Reliability is improving, but not yet stable enough for just-in-time planning without buffer.
We expand below on the most recent field challenges at our key ports namely Durban, Cape Town and Ngqura:
The following images illustrate vessels currently at anchorage awaiting berth at South Africa’s three key ports:
Road / Rail Update: The freight logistics sector is in transition, with rail slowly recovering and road freight under pressure
Road freight remains dominant, carrying the bulk of inland cargo and cross border. Rail is gradually becoming a more viable option again, offering a potentially more stable, cost-effective and sustainable alternative to road, especially for heavy, bulk or long-haul cargo. However, it is still rebuilding and doesn’t yet match the pre 2018 numbers, so planning must still account for limitations.
December starts with TKC border logjam
Air Freight Update:
Air‑cargo volumes through major South African gateways saw a 16% week‑on‑week rise in overall international airfreight with inbound and outbound tonnages rising sharply. While this reflects a strong recent upswing, clients should remain aware of potential last‑minute space constraints, rate fluctuations, and scheduling uncertainties.
Please click on the articles below for key updates in South Africa:
Durban’s port partnership can unlock South Africa’s export growth
Transport upgrades boost SA logistics, but key risks remain
SA excluded from Agoa 2.0, for now
RFA calls for faster Transnet reform
Does the PoCT need some help against the ‘Cape Doctor’?
With air and road freight volumes increasing, ongoing upgrades at Cape Town and Durban Pier 2, and steady improvements in port efficiency, South Africa’s trade logistics outlook is cautiously optimistic. Continued investment, better digital visibility, and more agile planning will all play an important role in keeping port performance steady as we move into 2026.
Global Trade
Global ports keep world trade moving. They connect producers and consumers across continents and enable the movement of goods that drive economies worldwide. As critical gateways to global markets, ports handle vast volumes of cargo, from raw materials and energy resources to finished goods and consumer essentials. In 2025, ports are busier and more pressured than before. Congestion, slower terminal turnaround, capacity limits, and tighter environmental rules continue to affect how quickly cargo moves. At the same time, the industry is changing fast. Tools like real-time tracking, AI-based planning, and smarter data platforms are giving companies better visibility and more control over their shipments. Trade routes are also shifting, which means supply chains need to stay flexible.
PORT UPDATES:
Unlisted ports per region are experiencing minimal berthing delays (≤ 2 days), measured as monthly averages from weekly performance.
AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
East Africa services are subject to erratic carrier schedules and last-minute vessel changes. Terminal performance in S.A. has improved overall, however landside challenges remain a concern.
Angola/Nigeria/Kenya – Berthing delays of 4-5 days experienced at main ports
Namibia – Berthing delays of 2-5 days experienced at Walvis Bay
Ivory Coast– Berthing delays of 3 days at Abidjan port due to new crane operations
Tanzania– Berthing delays of 10 days at Dar Es Salaam
Mozambique– Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Maputo and 17 days at Beira port
Mauritius– Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Port Louis. Transhipments have been delayed due to carriers’ erratic schedules on direct services
Reunion – Berthing delays of 13 days experienced due to operational challenges
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
Toronto/ Montreal/ Vancouver – Berthing delays of 2-3 days experienced at main ports.
USA
New York/New Jersey/Long Beach – Berthing delays of 2-3 days experienced at these terminals.
Savannah/Charleston – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main terminals.
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Buenos Aires
Brazil – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Paranaguá. Containers destined for S.A. are no longer loaded out of Santos due to a change in vessel rotation.
Mexico – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at main ports
NORTH WEST CONTINENT, UNITED KINGDOM, MEDITERRANEAN
Belgium/France/Germany/Italy – Berthing delays of 3-5 days experienced at main ports.
Netherlands – Berthing delays of 4 days experienced at Rotterdam port
Spain – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Barcelona port
UK – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at London Gateway Port.
*Delays are being experienced on north bound services, with transhipments in London Gateway being up to 2 weeks.
*Delays are being experienced on south bound services due to heavy congestion at Las Palmas, Algeciras, and Tangiers.
INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT & MIDDLE EAST
India – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Nhava Sheva
Sri Lanka – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Colombo port with high transhipment volumes
UAE – No major berthing delays at Jebel Ali, operational backlogs have been restored
Israel – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Haifa. Otherwise, ports operate as usual.
APAC (Including Oceania)
Nansha/Qingdao/Shekou/Shenzhen – Berthing delay of 2-4 days experienced at main ports with stricter customs control at various ports, mainly Shenzhen.
Taiwan – Berthing delays of 3 days experienced at Kaohsiung and 2 days at Keelung
Korea – Berthing delays of 2 days experienced at Busan port
Singapore– Berthing delays are minimal, vessel bunching is experienced and carriers may perform unscheduled container transhipments in attempt to clear backlog.
Please click on the articles below for key global news:
Global port delays raise risk of higher freight rates
LNG shipping rates hit multi-month highs on tighter vessel availability, winter demand
Port congestion now a ‘significant challenge’ to global supply chains
Heavy Load Surcharge (HWS) Weight Trigger Revision – Far East Asia to North Europe and Mediterranean
Logistics Market Outlook:
Ocean: Multiple market trackers show falling container spot rates in November (eg: Xeneta mid-Nov averages; Freightos FBX weekly moves; Drewry index down late Nov). This reflects carriers restarting capacity after earlier seasonal cuts, then offering specials to avoid empty slots and the November attempted GRI failed to lift the market.
Air: IATA reports record air cargo demand in October 2025, marking continued growth (October up 4.1% YoY) and eight months of expansion. At the same time, industry analysis flags supply constraints: aging freighter fleets and repeated delivery delays for new freighter types (Boeing/Airbus) raise capacity risk. These opposing forces mean demand growth but constrained capacity.
Rail: Eurasian rail corridors (China–Europe) continue to recover with rising volumes, remaining a strong choice for cargo that needs faster transit than sea but at lower cost than air. For South Africa, rail adds most value in inland–port connectivity and easing congestion around gateways rather than replacing long-haul ocean trade. Eurasian Rail Alliance
Freight Rates, Capacity Trends and Emerging themes:
· According to Flexport’s market update, capacity on the trans-Pacific eastbound route has rebounded strongly, remaining above 80% through November, creating overcapacity relative to current demand. As a result, freight rates are under downward pressure. Importantly, the November General Rate Increase (GRI) has been suspended for the month.
· Port congestion is shifting rather than easing. European hubs like Rotterdam and Hamburg are under pressure, which is pushing carriers to consider alternative discharge strategies.
· From the DSV market update for November, line-up pressures were reported in Europe and Asia, with ports like Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Hamburg experiencing congestion delays of up to 7 days.
· Phaata’s International Transport & Logistics Update (Week 46, 2025) confirmed a sharp drop in rates: Asia-to-North America (West Coast) rates fell around 14% week-on-week, to about US$2,386/FEU, driven by overcapacity and the rollback of the November GRI.
· South Africa is reshaping its logistics future. Infrastructure upgrades and performance improvements at ports could strengthen the system, but persistent issues, including crane shortages and inefficiencies in the booking process, continue to hinder reliability.
· Sustainability isn’t optional. Emissions regulations are not just compliance issues; they are materially reshaping deployment and routing decisions in the shipping sector.
Why Visibility Matters for Importers and Exporters Today:
Research and industry reports show that clear, real-time supply-chain visibility is no longer a “nice to have” but now rather critical for mitigating risk, reducing costs, and remaining competitive in global trade. Visibility is now a top strategic priority and here’s why:
· Real-time visibility and AI analytics provide a much stronger buffer against delays, port congestion, or disruption — critical for exporters/importers who depend on accurate ETAs and predictable lead-times.
· Better forecasting, route planning, and inventory visibility help avoid overstocking or stock-outs, improving cash flow and reducing storage or demurrage costs.
· Visibility tools increase transparency across stakeholders (suppliers, forwarders, carriers, customs) which reduces misinformation, miscommunication, or administrative delays (less reaction, more proactive).
· Access to up-to-date data means better decision making. Companies can adjust plans quickly in response to global shifts, whether freight-rate changes, port back-logs, regulatory updates or demand swings.
At SCT Supply Chain Solutions, we understand these changes, which is why our services are built around supply‑chain visibility as a core differentiator, making it simpler and smarter. Our online portal lets customers track shipments, access documents, and view key milestones and performance data all in one place, giving you a clearer picture of your supply chain at any time. Customer experience is at the heart of how we operate, and it’s built into the way we support our clients. With transparency, proactive communication, and easy access to information, SCT offers more than clearing and forwarding, we help run logistics with confidence, control and real value.
A sincere thank you to each one of our customers for your continued trust and support throughout the year. Your partnership means a great deal to us, and we look forward to growing and evolving with you as we move into 2026. May the new year bring growth, efficiency and smoother logistics for us all. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive season.
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. Kindly ctrl + click on each topic to read further:
Why public-private partnerships hold the key to Africa’s future
South Africa’s Transnet gets 300 million euro loan from French development agency
Nigeria launches $1 billion Port Enhancement Programme to boost maritime competitiveness
Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues rise 14% as Red Sea tensions ease
What is supply chain visibility and why is it important?
Easy Clear steps into breach for Sars
Xeneta Weekly Ocean Market Update – Nov 2025
International Transport and Logistics Market Update
Sources & References
Seatrade Maritime / Loadstar / Freight News / GoComet / Maersk / Openpr / Transnet / WeFreight / MSC / AfricaPorts / Container Statistics+News / Flexport / Phaata /SACO / Hellenic Shipping / Worldcargonews/ Maritime Executive / GCaptain/ Linerlytica / Sea Intelligence / Splash247 / Freight Waves / Xeneta / JOC / DHL / African Mining / Ean Network / Hapag Lloyd.