Container trade shows 10% yearly growth

The total local import and export container trade market experienced consistent 10% year-on-year growth during the third quarter, a similar result as in previous quarters, container shipping company Maersk Line Southern Africa reports. “On face value, [this] is remarkable growth. The main hallmark of South African container trade at present, however, is less about robust growth and more about volatility, Maersk Line Southern Africa trade manager Matthew Conroy pointed out. However, he added that while the 10% year-on-year growth was encouraging, it was not a true reflection of real growth as, when taking into account the significant container trade market contraction recorded in 2016, this growth is actually only about 2.5%.