Import volumes surge ahead of World Cup

Stocking up for the World Cup
has largely been responsible for
substantially higher volumes in
the first five months of 2010 compared
to 2009, says Roy Ramdiyal, regional
head of Safmarine in Kwa-Zulu Natal
and Swaziland.
“Soccer fever has definitely had a
positive impact on our business with
high volumes of cargo related to the
event – such as clothing and memorabilia
– coming into South Africa via the port
of Durban.” The bulk of the cargo has
been sourced from the Far East.
Ian Barclay, Safmarine South Africa’s
national imports manager, says while
a portion of the increased volumes can
also be attributed to the restocking of
inventories by retailers and importers,
cargo manifests are showing that much
of the cargo is related to the Cup.
“In addition to soccer memorabilia,
Safmarine has also carried high volumes
of electronics and items used for the
refurbishment of hotels and bed and
breakfast establishments. And, based on
conversations with our customers, it even
appears that ordinary South Africans are
spending more on building and related
materials as they upgrade their homes,
not only to accommodate visitors, but to
show the country off.”
While volumes on the Safari (South
Africa-Far East) trade traditionally drop
off in the first quarter of the year, this
year they have remained at ‘peak’ levels
since October 2009, says Barclay.