Cargo Movement Update – 8 June 2025: Weekly container volumes are up by 2%; air cargo is down by 8%

We are sharing the latest version of the cargo report.
Some highlights discussed this week include the following:

1. World Bank infrastructure loan secured (R26,5 billion):
   1. South Africa has obtained a Development Policy Loan (DPL) from the World Bank to accelerate structural reforms in the logistics network.
   2. This milestone aligns with the National Freight Logistics Roadmap and LAS initiatives of late, and presents a rare opportunity to stabilise Transnet, address systemic inefficiencies, and unlock private sector participation.
2. Global container throughput subsides in April:
   1. Worldwide container volume had its typical cyclical drop after record throughput was registered in March. April is down by –4,5% monthly but still up by 5,8% (y/y) annually.
   2. All trade lanes experienced decreases in April, with North American imports dropping expectantly the most at -11,5%, as an evident consequence of the tariff imposition and uncertainty surrounding US trade policy.
3. Container freight rates spike amid US-led demand surge:
   1. Following the easing of select tariffs between the US and China, Drewry’s Index surged by the second most ever weekly movement, increasing by 41% to $3 527 per 40-ft container.
   2. The last equivalent surge happened at the turn of the previous year, as rates jumped by nearly 60% between December 2023 and January 2024.
   3. However, rates are expected to decline soon, as excess Transpacific capacity—especially to Los Angeles/Long Beach—now exceeds demand, limiting carriers’ ability to sustain increases amid stable equipment supply, reduced extra loaders, and minimal port congestion.