Europe‑SSA trade volumes rise as forwarders warn of port congestion
Container Trades Statistics reported that July SSA‑to‑Europe volumes climbed 2.3% year on year and Europe‑to‑SSA volumes rose 5.7% year on year. The gains extend a four‑month streak of SSA‑to‑Europe growth and a six‑month streak for the opposite direction, even as Maersk prepared to levy an end‑of‑August congestion charge on shipments to South Africa’s main gateway.
CTS publishes its figures two months in arrears, so the July numbers reflect May‑June activity. The Loadstar reported last month that Durban Gateway Terminal was experiencing extreme congestion so severe that a presidential taskforce was forced to intervene. Forwarders noted that while rates and service remained relatively stable, port problems were causing severe delays and a knock‑on effect on cargo movement. Some forwarders described the port situation as chaotic, noting that cargo movement was unpredictable and likening it to a ‘crap shoot’. The Loadstar noted that carriers have historically responded to congestion with surcharges, though the exact amount for the new Maersk charge remained unpublished. Forwarders also pointed out that despite stable rates, the uncertainty at African ports was creating knock‑on effects throughout the supply chain.
Forwarders have been advising shippers to book earlier on Europe‑Latin America trades as disruptions persist. Despite those warnings, the Europe‑SSA corridor has continued to attract strong volumes. Earlier in the year, forwarders urged shippers to book ahead on Europe‑Latin America lanes due to ongoing disruptions.
What we know
SSA-to-Europe volumes rose 2.3% year on year in July
Europe-to-SSA volumes rose 5.7% year on year in July
CTS reports its data two months in arrears
Maersk announced a congestion charge for shipments to South Africa’s gateway from the Far East and Middle East at the end of August
Durban Gateway Terminal was facing extreme congestion that triggered a presidential taskforce intervention