SA records steady decline in volumes

Container trade across Africa is growing but in South Africa the outlook is fairly bleak. According to Matt Conroy, trade and marketing manager for Maersk Line South Africa, container volumes in Africa have been growing steadily at a rate of 3.5%-5%. “Imports into the continent rose around 3% this year,” he said. “Further increase in exports is expected from Africa as a consequence of increasing import demand from more developed markets.” South Africa, however, is showing a steady decline of container volumes overall. “Container imports have decreased by 7% in comparison to last year this time,” he said. “There are various reasons including the fact that consumers are buying less. We are seeing an increase but this could possible be restocking ahead of the festive season. It is too early to tell if this is an economic turnaround.” He said countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi had been identified as areas of major growth for the company which now has offices in all these locations. “We are seeing increased volumes in southern Africa and Africa as a whole and we are expecting this to continue,” he said. According to Maersk Line country managing director Jonathan Horn, South Africa needs to move beyond its dependence on commodity cycles and needs to start adding greater value through a dedicated effort to revive the export manufacturing sector in particular. INSERT & CAPTION South Africa needs to move beyond its dependence on commodity cycles and needs to start adding greater value. – Jonathan Horn