South Africa riots, the Port of Durban and many other ports are closed, and a large number of trucks are stranded on the border! Logistics or large-scale delays! Please note when shipping

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2021-05-08 10:41

South Africa riots, the Port of Durban and many other ports are closed, and a large number of trucks are stranded on the border!

On the evening of the 13th local time, a spokesperson for the South African Police Department stated that the riots caused by the arrest of former President Zuma are spreading in many provinces in South Africa. The riots have caused at least 72 deaths and more than 1,000 protesters have been arrested. The Chinese Embassy in South Africa has issued an urgent reminder.

On the 13th local time, shopping malls and warehouses in many cities in South Africa were looted or burned, killing dozens of people. Aerial footage showed black smoke from several warehouses in Durban, a large number of people and vehicles gathered nearby, and goods and debris scattered all over the place in a mess.

The Port of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal is the largest port in the country and one of the busiest shipping terminals on the African continent. South African President Ramaphosa warned on the 12th that the disruption of the supply chain caused by the riots may lead to food and drug shortages in the coming weeks, and people are increasingly worried that food and fuel in many places will face supply disruptions.

According to a report by the South African National Broadcasting Corporation on July 14, local time, the riots have caused the closure of multiple ports in KwaZulu-Natal and the suspension of highways from KwaZulu-Natal to various parts of South Africa. Many ports in KwaZulu-Natal provide food, crude oil, medicines, minerals and various major daily necessities for South Africa and 14 countries in Southern Africa.

In addition, a large number of freight trucks traveling between South Africa and other African countries are currently stranded on the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The reason for the detention was partly because the truck drivers were afraid of riots, and partly because many freight companies were closed due to the riots and were unable to provide corresponding declaration documents to the customs.

Due to the South African protests, some shipping companies in Durban Port announced the suspension of operations. According to SMM, due to the riots caused by the protests in South Africa, some shipping companies in Durban Port recently issued a force majeure letter, announcing the temporary suspension of operations. Since the force majeure event cannot be confirmed for how long it will last, the re-operation time is undetermined.

According to the announcement, the Durban container terminal is partially closed, and Durban MPT, Empty Depotsin Durban and Johannesburg have been closed.

Maersk said in a notice that a large number of warehouses in the interior of Durban have been closed, the Durban port terminal lacks staff and equipment, is in a state of stagnation, and logistics providers have suspended services, resulting in interruption of imports and exports.

In the early morning of July 14, local time, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa once again urgently reminded Chinese citizens in South Africa to further strengthen security precautions.

The South African Rand was once one of the best emerging market currencies during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Affected by the riots, the South African Rand fell to a three-month low on the 13th local time.

Here is a reminder that freight forwarders who have recently traded with South African countries and regions should pay attention to the logistics situation in real time and be prepared for delays. Beware of issues such as port of destination customs clearance, buyer abandonment, non-payment, etc. So as not to affect the shipment and bring losses, forwarding is known~

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