February Export Shipments from South Africa’s Saldanha Bay and Richards Bay Decline Month-on-Month for Both Ports

Time:2026-03-25

In February 2026, export shipments from South Africa’s Saldanha Bay fell sharply by 40% month-on-month to 5.97 million tonnes (compared with 9.88 million tonnes in January), primarily due to reduced iron-ore exports, weather-related disruptions, and subdued demand in key markets. Meanwhile, shipments from Richards Bay declined by 6% month-on-month in February to 7.76 million tonnes (down from 8.27 million tonnes in January), weighed down by intermittent logistical bottlenecks, lower coal shipments, and cautious purchasing by importers.

In February 2026, export shipments from South Africa’s Saldanha Bay fell sharply by 40% month-on-month to 5.97 million tonnes (compared with 9.88 million tonnes in January), primarily due to reduced iron-ore exports, weather-related disruptions, and weaker demand in key markets.
In February, Richards Bay’s shipment volume declined by 6% month-on-month to 7.76 million tonnes (compared with 8.27 million tonnes in January), primarily due to intermittent logistical bottlenecks, a drop in coal exports, and cautious purchasing by importers.

  The Northern Cape Province of South Africa has recently promoted investment opportunities across multiple sectors in preparation for the Investment and Employment Conference, scheduled to be held in Kimberley from April 13 to 15.

  The promotion was led by a delegation headed by Provincial Governor Zamani Saul, with officials including Blennies-Magage, Commissioner for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, presenting the investment roadmap at a seminar held in Sandton, Johannesburg.

  Investment in the Northern Cape Province is focused on six key sectors: green energy, mining, agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure and logistics, and tourism.

  In the mining sector, the province boasts the world’s largest manganese reserves and is a major exporter of diamonds, iron ore, and zinc. It is currently advancing efforts to move upstream in the value chain by developing green smelting capabilities for zinc, manganese, iron ore, copper, and lime.

  In agriculture, the province serves as a key food-supply hub for South Africa and Southern Africa, exporting high-quality beef, lamb, venison, specialty teas, dates, pecans, and raisins to Europe. Meanwhile, exports of brandy, gin, and wine are also on the rise.

  In the new-energy sector, the Northern Cape Province boasts exceptional resource endowments, with solar capacity factors of approximately 26% and wind capacity factors of about 37%, attracting investment from independent power producers worldwide. The province’s solar potential is estimated at roughly 11,400 GW, while its wind potential stands at around 846 GW, providing a solid foundation for the development of the green-hydrogen industry. Currently, about 60% of South Africa’s independent power-generation projects are located in this province.

  On the infrastructure front, the R122.9 billion Boegoebaai Port development project has drawn significant attention, with plans to build a deep-water port, railway links, and a green hydrogen industry cluster.

  Officials have noted that the North Cape Province’s former reputation as a remote region is now being transformed into a strategic advantage, positioning it prominently in the energy transition, critical minerals development, and large-scale industrial expansion.

Keywords: February Export Shipments from South Africa’s Saldanha Bay and Richards Bay Decline Month-on-Month for Both Ports

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