In the face of the challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical and economic upheavals, the ocean freight sector has navigated tumultuous years. Currently, the industry’s primary focus was rates, said Michelle Horner, ocean branch manager for SACO CFR in Durban.
African enterprises eager to enhance their skills in the warehousing sector have an opportunity to do so with the launch of a groundbreaking freight handling qualification by Metro Minds.
According to MD Juliette Fourie, this qualification goes beyond theoretical learning, offering students a hands-on experience in a real warehouse environment.
In the final quarter of 2023, a decrease in import volumes is anticipated due to diminishing demand for goods. This decline in consumer spending comes as rising living costs influence the economy.
Kreeson Moodley, trade lane manager at SACO CFR, said the reduction in import volumes was evidence that consumers were tightening their purse strings amid cost-of-living increases, which included rising prices for essential goods and services."Economic uncertainty, high percentages of inflation and increased costs are placing a strain on people’s livelihoods, which is resulting in reduced consumer spend and lower demand for products."And as consumer spending dwindles, businesses are adapting their import strategies.
With the perishable season in full swing, the airfreight industry is experiencing a notable surge in congestion on the export side, leading to concerns about the timely and efficient transport of fresh goods to international markets. Cape Town, in particular, is grappling with a significant increase in export volumes, making it increasingly challenging for businesses to secure cargo space at reasonable rates.
As global trade continues to evolve, the shipping industry is experiencing a significant shift in focus towards establishing new direct services connecting Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent into Africa.Eva Rasmussen, general manager for ocean freight at SACO CFR, says there
