The announcement that global shipping giant Maersk will suspend its direct shipping route from South Africa to the United States in October this year comes as yet another blow to local exporters – particularly in the fruit and wine sectors – who are already under pressure.
By Michelle van der Spuy, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Dr Ernst van Biljon, principal lecturer at the IMM Graduate School, says the move is a double blow to South Africa’s global competitiveness and the resilience of its supply chains. The decision also follows closely on the heels of the 30% import tariff recently imposed by the United States on certain South African products.
Currently, Maersk is one of only two companies offering direct shipping from South Africa to the US. Once it exits the route in October, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will be the only option. MSC has announced plans to expand its direct service from October, but concerns remain about the potential impact on shipping costs, service quality and the risks of relying on a single carrier.
News24 reports that Maersk and MSC previously had a joint agreement to manage this direct shipping route, but the partnership was dissolved in 2023, at the height of the South African port crisis.
Terry Gale, chairman of Exporters Western Cape (EWC), says Maersk’s withdrawal has been anticipated for some time, possibly due to loss of market share and the route no longer being financially viable.
MSC has indicated that it will continue with a weekly service on the route and will use new, faster ships, Gale says.
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Dr Van Biljon warns the impact on the fruit and wine industries could be severe. Under Maersk’s new arrangements, South African cargo will now be routed through Europe’s already congested ports, which may delay shipments and affect the freshness and timing of perishable goods.
“Even if MSC maintains its direct route, the risk of concentration is high, with no room for error or back-up,” he notes.
He adds that the situation further exposes South Africa’s strategic vulnerability in global supply chains.
“Tariffs and transport constraints now combine to erode margins and undermine long-standing commercial relationships. As access to the US market becomes increasingly costly and complex, South African exporters must urgently build alternative trade routes, including deepened BRICS and intra-African trade ties.”
Dr Van Biljon also stresses the need for increased investment in supply chain technology, which can improve risk management, ensure product integrity, and help meet the service expectations of international clients.
He says this moment calls for both political diplomacy and a stronger, coordinated national logistics strategy. The cost of inaction is not just short-term pain but also long-term marginalisation from global trade corridors.
