Logistics News 23 July
July 2025 – 4
Port Chaos, Tariff Tension, and Container Shortages: What South African Shippers Need to Know This Week
South Africa’s logistics sector is facing another challenging week. Persistent delays at Durban’s port, booking system headaches, and unexpected police stops on container routes to Johannesburg are adding strain to already stretched supply chains. At the same time, exporters are on edge as the 1 August deadline for proposed 30% US tariffs draws closer, with no clear word from government negotiators. Add container shortages on key trade lanes, and it’s clear that managing freight right now takes careful planning and quick decisions.
Port Chaos, Tariff Tension, and Container Shortages: What South African Shippers Need to Know This Week
South Africa’s logistics sector is facing another tough week. Persistent delays at Durban’s port, frustrations over the booking system, and unexpected police stops on routes to Johannesburg are creating new headaches for transporters and cargo owners. At the same time, exporters are anxiously counting down to 1 August as the US threatens to impose 30% tariffs on South African goods. Add container shortages on the Africa trade lane, and it’s clear that moving freight right now requires sharp planning and quick action.
Frontline Insights: Trade and Policy Updates
South Africa turns to China amid looming US tariffs
With just days left until the 1 August tariff deadline, South Africa is strengthening trade ties with China. The trade deficit with China jumped from under $1 billion to $9.7 billion by 2023, and China is now seen as a critical buffer against possible US penalties.
Canada and Mexico create the “Northern Corridor”
Canada and Mexico have announced a $120 billion trade route to sidestep the United States and avoid tariffs on goods like steel and auto parts. This corridor will use rail, shipping, and digital customs solutions such as blockchain, reducing reliance on US ports.
What is the GNU doing about US tariffs?
Exporters are still waiting for answers. The Government of National Unity (GNU) remains tight-lipped about any deal with the Trump administration, leaving businesses uncertain as the deadline approaches.
Top Story: Durban’s Booking System Under Fire
Why transporters are frustrated
The Navis booking platform at Durban’s DCT Pier 2 is causing chaos. Even when hauliers secure slots, they often can’t collect containers within the three-day grace period because of slot shortages and landside delays. This leads to lost revenue and demurrage fees.
Allegations of corruption and system abuse
Transporters allege that some controllers overbook slots and sell the extras to smaller operators, fuelling distrust in the system. Many say it’s become a daily battle just to secure a booking.
TPT’s response
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) admits that waterside productivity has improved, increasing container moves by 6,000 per day. But landside operations can only handle 4,000, creating a bottleneck. TPT has promised fixes, including 24/7 booking support and WhatsApp channels, but transporters remain sceptical.
ALERT: Container Shortages Hit Africa Trade Lane
Peak season pressure is escalating. Carriers are cutting back on 40′ Non-Operating Reefer (NOR) containers and prioritising standard containers. There’s also a shortage of 20-foot (6 m) units from major carriers like CMA CGM and Maersk.
What’s happening?
Maersk has suspended online spot bookings for more than a month.
Delays are up to three sailings from South China and at least one to two from East China.
Freight rates are expected to rise as space tightens further.
If you’re booking cargo, plan ahead and allow extra time for rollovers.
Global Freight Rate Trends
Drewry’s World Container Index dropped another 2.6% this week, marking five straight weeks of declines after an earlier spike in May and early June caused by US tariff fears.
Latest rates:
Shanghai to Los Angeles: down 4% to $2,817
Shanghai to New York: down 6% to $4,539
Despite the dip, both routes remain higher than 10 weeks ago. Drewry expects rates to keep softening in the second half of 2025 as supply outpaces demand.
Knowledge Corner: What Are Free Days and Why Do They Matter?
Free days refer to how long you can keep a container at the port or after delivery without extra charges.
Two main types:
Port Free Days: Time before storage fees kick in.
Detention Free Days: How long you can keep the container after unpacking before returning it.
Plan carefully. Once free days run out, demurrage charges escalate quickly.
Weekly Roundup
Transnet creates new oversight committee to improve rail and port performance.
S&P downgrades Transnet’s credit rating to B+, highlighting reliance on state support.
New foot and mouth outbreak in the Free State threatens meat exports.
CO₂ emissions spike due to Red Sea disruptions caused by Houthi attacks.
Ports Report: Current Waiting Times
Durban Pier 1: 0–2 days
Durban Pier 2: 2 days
Cape Town: ~4 days
Ngqura: 0–1 day
Port Elizabeth: 1 day
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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.
In September 2021, TSI celebrated its 15-Year Anniversary. Here’s what our CEO, Clifford Blackburn, had to say about the first 15 years in business.
Q: What encouraged you to start TSI Central Station 15 years ago?
CB: There was a need for legitimizing the industry, transporters used to lie about when they collected cargo, the agent Read more here