I mport and export volumes – including dry bulk volumes – at the Port of Durban maintained a “steady upward trend” in October due to increased trade with China. “Container export volumes to China are doing well as the country’s demand for raw export volumes continues to rise,” said Durban port manager, Moshe Motlohi. Local demand for fast moving goods (FMCG) – such as retail and electronic goods from, amongst others, the Far East – had also resulted in an increase in import container volumes, he added. Dry bulk volumes also continued to exceed expectations. “Manganese exports are currently leading the trend given the increased intake in China for the manufacturing of stainless steel.” This had driven a commodity price increase and stimulated higher manganese output in South Africa, he added. Furthermore, safeguard duties on hot rolled steel coil and plate – signed off by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies in August this year – have resulted in increased exports to the Far East.
