Durban – South Africa’s export routes have taken a major knock after global shipping giant Maersk announced it will discontinue its direct service to the United States from October 2025.
With only one other direct SA–US route operated by MSC, the decision has raised red flags across the freight, logistics, and export sectors.
“This couldn’t come at a worse time,” said Dr Ernst van Biljon, head lecturer and programme coordinator for MCom in Supply Chain Management at IMM Graduate School. “It’s a double blow – we’re already dealing with the fallout from the US’s new 30% tariff on South African goods, and now we’re losing a critical trade route.”
The trucking industry, already stretched thin by high diesel prices and port delays, now faces increased pressure to handle longer, more complicated export legs, as cargo may need to be re-routed through congested European ports.
For sensitive cargo like fruit, wine, and auto components, this is not just inconvenient – it’s costly. “Timing, freshness, and delivery accuracy are crucial,” Van Biljon warned. “Adding days to shipping routes makes South African goods less competitive globally.”
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Even if MSC continues its service, Van Biljon points out that relying on a single line for direct US access puts exporters at serious risk. “There’s no backup plan if something goes wrong.”
He added that this isn’t just about shipping: “This decision highlights South Africa’s vulnerability in global supply chains. If we don’t urgently develop new routes – possibly through BRICS partners or African corridors – we’ll keep losing ground.”
The call is clear: South Africa needs a coordinated logistics response, backed by political and economic leadership. Otherwise, we risk being squeezed out of key markets, not just temporarily, but for the long haul.
For truckers and exporters alike, this is yet another blow in an already challenging environment.
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