Maersk ends direct US trade route to Africa’s largest economy

CAPETOWN : South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, is facing renewed trade headwinds as Danish shipping giant Maersk announced it will discontinue direct cargo shipments between South Africa and the United States from October 1.

South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, faces challenges due to Maersk discontinuing direct cargo shipments to the US from October 1.
South African exports will be rerouted via European hubs, increasing transportation costs and lead times.
Longer shipping times, higher fees, and operational surcharges will further impact South Africa’s export competitiveness globally.

The decision, communicated to customers this week, according to News24, means South African exports will now be rerouted through European transshipment hubs, resulting in longer lead times and higher logistics costs for businesses already under pressure.

While Maersk has attributed the move to operational restructuring and global supply chain realignments, the timing has heightened concerns within South Africa’s export sector over worsening trade relations with Washington.

The shift comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and President Donald Trump’s administration, which recently threatened to review South Africa’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a crucial trade pact that grants duty-free access to US markets for thousands of African products.