Logistics Brief 8th July 2026
Logistics News for the week, showing you what is important to know.
Freight rates continue to climb as global port congestion reaches a four year high and carriers introduce new peak season surcharges. This week’s logistics brief covers the return of selected services to the Suez Canal, improving South African port performance, ongoing cross border delays and the stricter enforcement of container weighing requirements.
Logistics Brief
South Africa’s logistics environment remains operational but the pressure is shifting from port congestion to landside execution, carrier pricing and inconsistent schedule reliability. While Durban and Cape Town are showing signs of improvement, delays at Coega, rising surcharges and tighter capacity management by shipping lines continue to place pressure on landed costs, working capital and delivery planning.
PVoC implementation on hold South Africa
South Africa’s planned PVoC implementation has been placed on hold while further consultation takes place. The 20 September 2026 rollout will not proceed under the current timetable. Importers should treat this as temporary relief rather than a cancellation and continue monitoring official updates.
China Trade Compliance Update: PVoC and SARS Zero-Tariff Certificates
China Trade Compliance Update: PVoC and SARS Zero Tariff Certificates June 2026 China Trade Compliance Update: PVoC and SARS Zero-Tariff Certificates Latest Update South African importers and exporters trading with China now have two important compliance developments to watch. The first is PVoC, which affects selected goods imported from China into South Africa. The second […]
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Import compliance in South Africa is becoming more important as PVoC requirements from China, rising freight rates and surcharges create new risk for importers.
PVoC Product Search
Use our PVoC product search to check whether goods imported from China to South Africa may require pre-shipment verification and a Certificate of Conformity.
PVoC South Africa: What Importers Need to Know Before Shipping from China
South Africa is introducing a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity programme for selected high-risk products imported from China. This guide explains what PVoC means, who is affected and what importers must do before shipping. PVoC South Africa
Logistics News
Lower oil prices are easing costs but execution risk is rising. Here is what South African importers need to know about supply chain disruption in 2026.
Final 2025 News
A major supply chain disruption is coming in early 2026. China’s annual shutdown will delay orders, reduce capacity and increase pressure on shipping routes. South African importers should act now to avoid costly delays. This guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Surviving the 2026 Shutdown
China will go on holiday in 2026 and the world will feel the impact.
Hundreds of millions of people travel for the holiday. A large percentage do not return to the same factory. This limits experience on the line and creates training gaps that show up as slower production and higher error rates.
Chinese New Year is not just a holiday. It is the largest annual human migration on Earth. With factories closing, workers traveling, and logistics networks halting, failing to prepare creates risks of 4 to 6 week delays. The 2026 cycle adds extra pressure as the global supply chain remains tight.
Progress on Paper, Pressure on the Ground
Over the last week the logistics sector showed two very different pictures. Transnet secured a R6 billion sustainability-linked loan that should support long-term improvements across ports and rail. At the same time operations on the ground remained under pressure. Cape Town faced repeated wind closures, Durban ran close to capacity and border congestion increased across the region. Airfreight continued to offer strong uplift as perishables and high-value cargo kept demand high. The key takeaway is simple. Structural investment is moving forward but traders still need tight planning to manage the daily operational shifts across South Africa’s logistics network.
South Africa’s Logistics Network is Improving but Still Inconsistent
South Africa’s logistics system is showing gradual improvement, with stronger rail volumes and higher container throughput compared to last year.
SA Ports: Progress or Pain
South Africa’s ports are improving but remain under pressure, with Durban delays, Cape Town gains, and global freight rates still sliding. Importers and exporters who build buffers, renegotiate Incoterms, and lock in contracts now will be better positioned for Q4.
South African ports congestion
South African ports congestion remains a serious challenge despite headlines of progress. Durban still has vessels waiting at anchorage, and Cape Town faces six-day delays, leaving hauliers and clients under pressure. In this week’s update, TSI Central Station unpacks the realities behind the numbers, the impact on importers and exporters, and why planning around disruptions like China’s Golden Week is essential.
Logistics News 9th Sept 2025
South Africa secured a vital trade win with US approval for continued fish exports beyond 2026, protecting a key market for local exporters. At the same time, Transnet shows signs of progress, ports are stabilising, and freight rates are holding steady, though risks from security, congestion, and global trade policies remain.
Logistics News Sept 25
Logistics update: improved port conditions, wind delays in Cape Town, SWIFT risk low, US tariffs, Drewry rate drops, TSI insights.
Logistics News Aug 27 – 2025
South African exporters face rising challenges, from poor port communication to looming U.S. tariffs. While government support measures are being put in place, businesses must prepare for higher costs, shifting schedules, and new compliance risks. Staying agile, diversifying markets, and managing costs proactively will be key to navigating the months ahead.
Tariffs and Shifting Trade Routes
South Africa’s exporters are facing a double challenge a 30% U.S. tariff on local goods and fewer direct shipping routes to the United States. Key sectors like wine, fruit, and automotive parts are already feeling the strain, with jobs and market share at risk. While government support measures are in place, continued negotiation with the U.S. remains critical to safeguarding trade, protecting employment, and ensuring long-term competitiveness.
Women in Logistics & U.S. Tariffs: What It Means for South Africa
Celebrate Women’s Month with us! Plus, understand the impact of the 30% U.S. tariff on South African exports and how to pivot to new markets.
US Tariffs Impact on South African Trade
“US tariff uncertainty looms over South African trade as global airfreight rates fall and ocean freight volatility rises. Discover the latest insights on tariffs, port delays, and what exporters need to know in this week’s shipping update