On October 6, local time, South African port workers launched a strike due to wage disputes. The strike has had a significant impact on South Africa's economy.

However, after about two weeks, the workers reached an agreement with Transnet, the South African national transport group, and the strike ended on October 20.

It is understood that the National Transport Union of South Africa (UNTU) signed a three-year wage agreement with Transnet on behalf of some port workers.

The South African Transportation and United Workers Union (SATAWU), another trade union involved in the strike, did not agree to the new terms given by Transnet and said that it would continue to fight for its own interests.

It is reported that during the two-week strike, South Africa's main ports and railway freight services were forced to be interrupted, and the export of mineral resources and other resources was restricted. 

The country's Mineral Commission said that the suspension of the National Transportation Group caused a loss of R6 billion per day to South Africa.

Maersk, the shipping company, announced that although the strike has ended, it will take some time for the port to resume full operation. Therefore, it still suspended all container booking business at all ports in South Africa, and exempted COD fees.

Different from the stagnation of ports during the strike, from the 18th, the terminals of South Africa's main ports were reopened. Including Cape Town Port, Durban Port and Port Elizabeth.

On the other hand, CMA CGM said that some voyages will be cancelled from Cape Town Port and Port Elizabeth next week. The goods will be transshipped back to South Africa from other ports.

Herbert said that all types of containers will get an additional 16 days of free detention time in addition to free detention time during the strike.

GLA hereby reminds freight forwarders that with the gradual recovery of South African ports, you need to pay attention to the latest port developments and contact the shipping company.