Customs stops on the rise?

A decline in volumes at the
Ports of Durban and Richards
Bay is taking its toll throughout
industry, says Leon Govender,
regional account representative for
Easyclear.
“Volumes in both Durban and
Richards Bay are significantly lower
than the same time last year,” he
said. “Larger clients are relying on
existing contracts to carry them
through, but the effect on smaller
clients is being felt throughout the
industry and across the country.”
This, he said, was the result of the
global financial crisis and reflected
in the stagnating growth rate
recorded by the shipping industry.
Commenting on the challenges
at the two KwaZulu-Natal ports,
Govender said congestion was an
ongoing concern and had a major
knock-on effect on the supply
chain.
“It inevitably increases costs,”
he said. “We have also picked up
that there is a greater than average
number of stops from customs
being experienced at present.”