Weekly container volumes are up by 24%; air cargo is up by 4%
Colleagues and interested parties
We are sharing the latest version of the cargo report.
Some highlights discussed this week include the following:
1. Severe Drop in TNPA Throughput for April (Monthly Volumes)
a. Container volumes fell by -27% (m/m), vehicle units -33%, and total bulk cargo -22% (m/m) according to TNPA’s April statistics.
b. This sharp contraction reflects systemic pressures exacerbated by public holidays and wage negotiations, reinforcing the urgent need for structural reform in port operations and corridor efficiency.
2. Global Container Demand Surge (CTS)
a. Global container throughput rose by +22% (m/m) in March, with Far East exports leading the rebound (+29%).
b. Sub-Saharan Africa also saw notable growth (+23% imports, +14% exports), though South Africa’s share of regional trade continues to shrink — a concerning sign of competitiveness erosion.
3. Operational Disruptions and Infrastructure Weaknesses in Durban and Cape Town
a. Despite a +24% weekly increase in container throughput (84 867 TEUs), operations were hindered by equipment failures, adverse weather, and systemic delays.
b. Rehabilitation of Bayhead Road is expected to start in June, but the risk of industrial action by UNTU and persistent rail disruptions (e.g., cable theft, diesel hauling) continues to threaten reliability.
