- Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay led the increase in export shipments
- Stronger coal and iron ore exports supported higher cargo volumes
South Africa’s shipments from key bulk export ports rose significantly 15% m-o-m to 13.09 million tonnes (mnt) in June 2026, from 11.38 mnt in May, primarily driven by improved rail performance on the Transnet Freight Rail network, which enabled higher cargo movement to key ports, particularly Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay.
Improved operational efficiency, stronger availability of export cargoes such as coal and iron ore, and a pickup in vessel loading activity also supported the month-on-month increase in shipments.
Port-wise performance
- Port Richards Bay: Shipments from Richards Bay climbed 9% m-o-m to 7.65 mnt in June from 7 mnt in May, driven by stronger thermal coal exports and improved rail logistics. Better locomotive availability, reduced infrastructure disruptions, and higher train volumes to the Richards Bay Coal Terminal supported export flows during the month.
- Port Saldanha Bay: Shipments from Port Saldanha Bay increased to 5.43 mnt in June from 4.38 mnt in May (up 24% m-o-m), supported by stronger iron ore exports and improved rail connectivity. The port’s long-term export growth is expected to be supported by ongoing rail capacity expansion and greater private sector participation.
Outlook
South Africa’s bulk export shipments are expected to remain firm in the near term, supported by improving Transnet rail performance, better locomotive availability, and sustained demand for coal and iron ore from Asian markets. Continued recovery in freight rail operations, coupled with government-led rail reforms and increased private sector participation, is likely to support higher export volumes through Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay in the coming months.
However, export growth could face headwinds from weaker global steel demand, fluctuations in iron ore and thermal coal prices, and any renewed operational disruptions across South Africa’s rail network.
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