South Africa’s ports recorded notable gains across container throughput, bulk cargo handling, and vehicle exports in 2025, signaling strong performance in the nation’s ocean freight network. This growth is particularly pronounced in vehicle exports, reflecting above-average activity in the automotive sector.
The first Cargo Movement Update (CMU) for 2026 shows that South African ports handled 4 473 TEU containers in 2025, up 3.2% year-on-year (y-o-y). Bulk cargo also saw an increase, totalling 221 million tonnes, up 4.4% y-o-y. Vehicle exports surged by 15% y-o-y, with 899 094 units shipped.
The Durban Auto Terminal contributed significantly to this performance, reaching its budgeted volumes well before the financial year end and frequently exceeding its targeted throughput.
Operational insights and challenges
Despite these annual gains, the weekly CMU for early 2026 reported a decrease in container throughput due to adverse weather conditions. TEU movement fell from 7 405 twenty-foot boxes in the first week of January to 6 189 in the second week.
“Port operations were significantly impacted by weather delays across the eastern and western regions, with KwaZulu-Natal receiving the knock-on effect of their scheduled vessels being delayed at other ports,” the CMU noted.
Capacity remained steady, with most terminals reporting a consistent rate of equipment availability. However, crane deployment was flagged as an area for improvement, as some units were non-operational even on empty berths.
Regional and global context
The CMU also highlighted ongoing trends in the container sector. “Container volumes remain resilient despite weak seasonality. Global container throughput continues to outperform expectations y-o-y, even as freight rates remain materially below 2025 levels. Structural overcapacity persists, constraining pricing power, although early-2026 rate increases reflect short-term operational and seasonal factors.”
Regionally, sub-Saharan African imports remain a relative bright spot, while exports have softened. The CMU points to a tentative recovery in Suez Canal transits, selective capacity deployment, and continued weather-related disruptions as factors underlining the importance of resilience, diversification, and risk management in the industry.
South Africa’s ports demonstrated that, even amid operational challenges, the country’s freight sector remains agile and competitive, with vehicle exports and bulk cargo driving growth and reinforcing the strategic role of its ocean terminals in regional trade.