LOCAL NEWS

South Africa has implemented a 10% import duty on solar panels to safeguard its local manufacturers against cheap imports, predominantly from China.

This move by The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) aims to bolster the domestic industry, attract new investments, and foster a stronger input
value chain.

The duty was created by concerns over rising electricity tariffs. It will be reviewed in three years to evaluate its impact amidst closures of local manufacturers and declining market share.

GLOBAL NEWS

We continue to struggle with local and global port congestion, which has removed 2.51 million TEUs of vessel capacity. Freight rates have increased by a further 3.9%.

There is a slight improvement in booking turnaround from the Far East, with MSC possibly allowing FAK rate bookings, however many ports still only prioritize diamond tier rate bookings.

Singapore remains heavily congested, with expected delays of 7-14 days, therefore routing via Singapore should be avoided. Main European ports are more stable, but trans-shipment ports such as Las Palmas and Sines face delays due to reduced vessel capacity. Changes in carrier services, such as amended port rotations, vessel changes, and blank sailings, may affect loading schedules.

USA TERMINAL UPDATES

• New York/New Jersey : Vessel waiting time is up to 3 days.
• Norfolk : Vessel waiting time is up to 3 days.
• Charleston : Vessel waiting time is up to 5 days.
• Savannah : Vessel waiting time is up to 3 days.
• Miami/Port Everglades : Vessel waiting time is up to 3 days.
• Houston : Vessel waiting time is up to 4 days.
• Los Angeles/Long Beach : Vessel waiting time is up to 2days.

PORT DELAYS

• Belgium : 3 day berthing delay at Antwerp port.
• France : 3 day berthing delay at Le Havre port; strikes canceled until September.
• Germany : 4 day berthing delay at Hamburg port with further delays expected due to a 48 hour strike. 2 day delay at Bremerhaven port.
• Italy : 4 day berthing delay at Genova port, 8 day delay at La Spezia port.
• Netherlands : 2 day berthing delay at Rotterdam port, with labor at max capacity.
• Spain : 7 day berthing delay at Barcelona port.
• Turkey : 2 day berthing delay at Istanbul port. Equipment shortage is currently a major issue.
• United Kingdom : 4 day berthing delay at London Gateway port.
• South Africa : Increased congestion at Port of Durban, prioritizing imports over exports, reducing export capacity.