Linernet Confirms 12% Rise in South African Reefer Cargo, Slightly Below Transnet’s Reported 19% Growth
Maritime analytics firm Linernet has confirmed that South Africa’s ports recorded a notable increase in reefer (refrigerated container) cargo volumes, supporting earlier claims by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT).
While Linernet’s data indicates a 12.21% year-on-year (YTD) increase in reefer throughput, this is slightly lower than the 19% growth reported earlier in the week by the state-owned logistics utility, which recently wrapped up the citrus export season.
Data Shows Strong Export Growth, Especially to North America
According to Linernet’s Tradesight data platform, the growth in reefer traffic through South African ports remains substantial.
Lance Pullan, Linernet’s senior analyst, highlighted particularly strong performance in shipments bound for North America, noting a 32.25% year-on-year rise in cold-chain cargo volumes to the region.
“There has been a noticeable increase in volumes to North America this year,” Pullan said, attributing the growth to front-loading by exporters in response to U.S. trade policy changes.
Tariff Concerns Likely Drove Early Exports
The sharp rise in citrus shipments to the United States is believed to be partly due to front-loading efforts—a strategy exporters often use to avoid potential supply chain disruptions or mitigate new tariff costs.
This trend follows the U.S. administration’s decision to impose a 30% tariff on certain South African exports, including citrus products.
While there has been no official confirmation of intentional front-loading, Linernet’s data suggests that the timing and scale of the increase are closely linked to tariff-related factors.
“It will be interesting to see what happens with next year’s citrus season especially with the changes to the AMEX service,” Pullan noted.
Shipping Route Changes Following Maersk’s Exit
As of October 1, the American Express (AMEX) service—previously operated under the 2M vessel-sharing agreement between Maersk and the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)—has effectively ceased operations in name, following Maersk’s withdrawal from the partnership.
Maersk has since shifted its South Africa–U.S. East Coast sailings to routes via West European ports, while MSC announced it would maintain direct services to the U.S., ensuring continuity for exporters despite changing trade dynamics.
Earlier this year, MSC reaffirmed its commitment to direct routes despite U.S. tariff pressures, signaling continued support for South Africa’s fruit export sector.
Outlook for 2026 Citrus Season
Industry analysts will be closely watching next year’s citrus export season to assess whether current trade volumes can be sustained amid evolving tariff policies, logistics strategies, and shipping service adjustments.
For now, the combination of resilient port performance, rising reefer traffic, and adaptable supply chain strategies highlights South Africa’s growing strength as a global citrus export hub and its capacity to navigate international trade challenges.
