Maersk, the Danish shipping giant and one of the world’s largest container operators, has announced it will halt direct cargo shipments between South Africa and the United States starting October 1, 2025. This decision is set to disrupt a crucial trade artery linking Africa’s largest economy with the US, with profound implications for South African exporters, supply chains, and the regional economy.

The shipping reroute means South African exports destined for the US will now have to move through European transshipment hubs, adding significant transit time and cost burdens. Previously, direct routes took roughly four to six weeks; the new detours are expected to extend shipping times by two to three additional weeks, potentially reaching six to eight weeks or more during peak port congestion.

According to an August 2025 report by Africa Business Insider, Maersk customers were notified recently about the operational change, attributed by Maersk to a global supply chain realignment and internal restructuring efforts. However, this timing has stoked concerns amid rising diplomatic and trade tensions between Pretoria and the Trump administration in Washington.

Dr. Ernst van Biljon, Head Lecturer at IMM Graduate School, told IOL South Africa, “Losing one of only two direct shipping links to the US forces South African exporters to rely on Europe’s congested ports, adding time, cost, and uncertainty to their logistics.” He added, “More than just a shipping reshuffle, it exposes South Africa’s strategic vulnerability in global supply chains, where tariffs and transport constraints erode margins and undermine long-standing commercial relationships.”

The financial impact of this shift is severe. Freight rates are expected to rise by 20-40%, with additional transshipment fees of $200–$250 per container and Maersk’s own peak-season surcharges of up to $1,000 per 40-foot container further inflating export costs. This comes amid fresh US threats to review South Africa’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a pivotal trade framework granting duty-free access to US markets for many African goods.

The move exacerbates existing pressures on South African exporters, particularly in sectors reliant on efficient transatlantic shipping such as citrus, automotive parts, steel, and agro-processing industries. The rerouting through Europe could make South African products less competitive in the US market compared to regional rivals benefiting from more direct or subsidized routes.

The disruption also arrives as South Africa faces a looming 30% tariff on exports to the US, following failed trade negotiations that had proposed $3.3 billion in investments and energy purchases to avert punitive measures. Together, trade tariffs and the shipping interruption could slow economic growth and jeopardize jobs tied to export logistics and manufacturing.

From Maersk’s perspective, the change aligns with their broader global operational adjustments as they balance supply chain risks and evolving trade patterns. While maintaining service continuity, they acknowledge the complexities and are working closely with affected customers.

Looking ahead, South African exporters and policymakers must navigate a challenging environment marked by longer shipping times, higher costs, and uncertainties in US trade policy. Efforts are underway in Pretoria to diversify export markets, strengthen regional trade links, and enhance port infrastructure to offset the disruption.

In summary, Maersk’s decision to halt direct US-Africa cargo routes represents a significant blow to South Africa’s export economy amid difficult geopolitical and trade conditions. The added shipping delays and costs threaten to undermine competitive advantage in the US market just as tariffs rise. How South Africa adapts—through diplomatic channels, trade diversification, and logistics innovation—will be critical in sustaining growth in one of Africa’s key economies.

The next developments to watch include potential US trade policy shifts, Maersk’s logistical adaptations, and South Africa’s strategic responses to stabilize its vital export flows in the months ahead.