For the record

Global shipments were down 5.9% m-o-m in September to 15.2 million TEUs, the lowest since April.

Solidarity's head of international liaison, Jaco Kleynhans, is in the USA to have talks with influential players in the newly elected government.

It has requested WTO dispute consultations over the issue.

A reduction in Chinese exports to the US is expected to dampen Chinese demand for copper, zinc and iron ore, in particular.

SUNDAY UPDATE: Since this report was posted on Friday, November 8, it has been reported that the situation at the border has improved.

SUNDAY UPDATE: Since this report was posted on Friday, November 8, it has been reported that the situation at the border has improved.

For the most part, e-commerce parcels shipped to the States originate in China.

“My wife has just walked past with a go-back” – flight luggage containing the bare essentials such as passports.

Trump has proposed various tariff policies, including tariffs of up to 20% on all imports not out of China and 60% on Chinese goods.

In a related development, Hapag-Lloyd confirmed orders for 24 new vessels from Chinese shipbuilders.

The agreement strengthens bilateral relations and collaboration to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in both countries.