One of South Africa’s best-selling factors from a Western Cape perspective is the weekly direct sailing, with a transit time of 18/20 days from the Port of Cape Town to Newark on the US East Coast.
“There is no other service that comes close to this,” says Terry Gale, chairperson of the Exporters Western Cape.
He adds: “Even though Maersk pulled out of this trade lane from October 1, MSC is continuing on this berth with newer carrier-owned vessels, also on a weekly service.
“Citrus industry exports to the USA alone have increased by a whopping 32.25% year-to-date from the Western Cape.
“For towns like Citrusdal, this sector is the lifeblood of their community.”
All the more reason, therefore, why comments made by Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Zuko Godlimpi, are so baffling, Gale says.
- Read his opinion in our “Columns” section.
