Port dues hit bulk and breakbulk exports hard

THIS TABLE - compiled for FTW by the SA Shippers Council (SASC) - reveals that the new "cargo dues" (replacing the contentious ad valorem wharfage) do little to support exports of bulk and breakbulk commodities.
"Not exactly in line with the government policy of promoting export trade," said SASC executive director, Nolene Lossau.
Indeed, looking at the cut-off points - the cargo value per metric ton (mt) where the new cargo dues will show a saving for importers/exporters - only low value bulk imports and high value containerised traffic stand to benefit significantly.
But breakbulk imports (cut-off at R5 000/mt) and more especially breakbulk exports (R8 000/mt), all look to be forking out more. This with a cut-off well above the average value of this type of cargo.
This is even more of a problem with bulk exports where the cut-off is R3 500/mt.
This level, according to a major player in bulk exports, could kill the coal and other mineral exports which
have a very low unit value, and which can afford no additional freight costs in a highly price-competitive marketplace.