By Maria Kalamatas | July 22, 2025

Section: International / Maritime & Resource Trade

Durban, July 22 — Key African ports are handling sharply higher cargo volumes as exports of critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, and copper, climb to meet demand from battery manufacturers in Asia and Europe.

“Shipments have grown by nearly 30 percent compared to last year,” said Sipho Dlamini, terminal manager at Durban Container Terminal. “Every week, more vessels are calling to load raw materials headed for processing hubs overseas.”

Export boom tied to energy transition

The surge comes as electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors accelerate production, with global manufacturers sourcing greater quantities of raw materials from African producers. Ports in South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia are seeing the most significant increases.

“Lithium and cobalt are driving this wave,” Dlamini explained. “It’s a structural shift, not a seasonal one.”

Strain on port infrastructure

While the higher volumes bring revenue, they are testing terminal capacity and inland transport links. Truck queues outside key gateways have lengthened, and some exporters are facing additional storage costs as berths remain full.

“We’re running double shifts and leasing extra yard space, but the flow isn’t slowing,” Dlamini noted.

Shipping lines adapt

Carriers are deploying additional bulk and container vessels, as well as adding direct sailings to China and northern Europe, to clear backlogs. Spot freight rates have risen by 12 percent since late June.

“For exporters, the challenge is keeping cargo moving without eroding margins,” said Lerato Mokoena, a Johannesburg-based trade consultant.

Outlook for coming months

Analysts expect mineral exports to stay elevated through the end of the year, with infrastructure bottlenecks likely to persist until new terminal expansions come online in 2026.

“This demand is here to stay,” Mokoena said. “The pressure on Africa’s logistics network will only grow.”

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