South African apple exporters are facing serious challenges after weeks of weather-related disruption at the Cape Town Container Terminal resulted in widespread shipping delays. Apple shipments intended to arrive in overseas markets over two weeks instead landed simultaneously, causing price fluctuations, logistical bottlenecks, and increased pressure on the supply chain.
Ripple Effects Across the Supply Chain
Roelf Pienaar, Managing Director of Tru-Cape, one of the country’s leading apple and pear exporters, said the delays in cargo handling have created a ripple effect throughout the logistics network. “It’s impacting container availability, trucking operations, and ultimately, our ability to get produce to market,” he explained.
Extreme Weather Brings Terminal to a Standstill
The setbacks followed extreme winds between late February and early March, with gusts reaching 100–120 km/h, forcing port operations to a near standstill. Over 200 operational hours were lost, and twelve vessels were left waiting at anchor. The sudden influx of product into global markets has disrupted planned sales cycles and hurt prices.
Depots and Trucking Networks Overwhelmed
Depots are struggling to manage the backlog, and the scarcity of empty containers is compounding the problem. Trucking operations have also been affected, as delayed pickups and deliveries create a domino effect across the supply chain. Exporters are being forced to reschedule shipments, often missing key market windows that can’t be recovered.
Costly Alternatives Not Feasible
Pienaar emphasised that for Western Cape-based companies, rerouting shipments to Durban or Gqeberha isn’t feasible due to high costs—up to $3 (R55) extra per carton, which cannot be absorbed by the market. He expressed concern that operational performance remains far below international standards. “Gross crane moves per hour, a key metric, averages around 15. Globally, we should be seeing 26 to 30. In 2012, this port operated at 33.”
Industry Calls for Urgent Reform
While welcoming new port management and added equipment, Pienaar believes the core issues are still unresolved. He advocates for urgent interventions and long-term strategies, including private sector involvement, to stabilize logistics and support future growth. “Export volumes are only going to increase as young orchards come into production. We must act now to avoid long-term damage to the industry.”