Citrus industry urges improved port planning ahead of 2027 export season
Following a difficult year of operational disruptions at South Africa's ports, the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has called for improved planning and coordination ahead of the 2027 export season, warning that the benefits of ongoing port and rail reforms will take time to materialise.
The call follows significant congestion at Durban Gateway Terminal during the 2026 citrus export season, when delays in container handling and vessel movements placed considerable pressure on exporters and transport operators.
According to Freight News, although the industry remains supportive of greater private-sector participation in South Africa's logistics infrastructure, the challenges experienced during the first year of ICTSI's operational involvement at Durban have highlighted the importance of realistic expectations and proactive planning.
In a recent industry newsletter, the CGA cautioned against expecting an immediate turnaround. “The lesson this year is undoubtedly that it is going to be a slow turnaround. We must factor this in and pre-empt the peak of our season with better plans for all ports going forward," the association stated.
The CGA has welcomed the introduction of fortnightly meetings with Durban Gateway Terminal management, which should provide export industries with greater visibility of operating conditions and potential constraints.
For citrus exporters, access to reliable information about terminal performance, vessel schedules and container availability is essential for coordinating harvesting, packing and shipping programmes.
Better communication can allow exporters to anticipate disruptions and make alternative arrangements before congestion reaches critical levels. However, the difficulties experienced at Durban have also demonstrated the interconnected nature of South Africa's port network. When shipping lines omit congested terminals and redirect cargo through alternative ports, the resulting pressure can disrupt export programmes elsewhere in the country. Effective planning for the next season will therefore require coordination across the national port network rather than focusing exclusively on individual terminals.
The CGA has also highlighted the continuing uncertainty associated with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have affected traditional shipping routes and market access during the current season. These external pressures make reliable domestic logistics infrastructure even more important.
Meanwhile, structural reforms are continuing. Cabinet has supported the full separation of the Transnet National Ports Authority from Transnet, while private-sector partnerships are expected to play an increasingly important role in improving port efficiency.
For the fruit export industry, the challenge is to ensure that these longer-term reforms are accompanied by practical improvements in daily operations.
With preparations for the 2027 citrus export season already underway, the lessons of 2026 point to the need for earlier planning, improved communication and greater operational certainty across South Africa's export logistics network.
Sources:
Freight News
https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/cga-calls-for-better-port-planning-ahead-of-next-season
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