New threat to South Africa’s automotive industry as Durban port delays put billions at risk

South Africa’s automotive industry is facing another major challenge as severe delays at the Port of Durban threaten vehicle manufacturing, component suppliers and thousands of jobs.

The disruption comes at a difficult time for the sector, which is already battling cheap vehicle imports from Asia and US tariffs and mounting pressure on local manufacturers.

The latest problems at one of the country’s most important trade gateways are raising concerns about South Africa’s ability to compete in the global automotive market.

The Port of Durban is South Africa’s largest container port and a critical gateway for the country’s automotive industry.

However, the introduction of a new operating system by Manila based International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has reportedly contributed to significant operational problems.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said vessel waiting times had roughly doubled since the new private operator began operations in January 2026.

According to Bloomberg, container backlogs have become so serious that some shipments are facing delays approaching 20 days.

The automotive industry is particularly exposed because manufacturers depend on the timely movement of imported components and the export of locally manufactured vehicles.

The delays are affecting the wider automotive manufacturing value chain, including companies that supply parts to major vehicle manufacturers.

Renai Moothilal, CEO of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), warned that port congestion was damaging the competitiveness of South African automotive manufacturers.

This could make it more difficult for local companies to meet contractual obligations and maintain reliable production schedules.

One of the companies caught up in the disruption is Metair Investments.

The company supplies automotive components to major manufacturers including Volkswagen, Ford and Toyota.

Its shares suffered a major setback on Friday after it warned that port backlogs approaching 20 days threatened its ability to meet contractual commitments.

Nearly half of Metair’s market value was wiped out during the share price sell off, illustrating how seriously investors are taking the disruption.

The Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) majority owned by ICTSI, said it takes concerns raised by Metair and other industry participants seriously.

The terminal’s chief executive Javier Lancha, said the company would meet with NAACAM members to discuss the operational disruptions.

He also indicated that the new operating system had since stabilised and that customers and stakeholders were being kept informed about terminal performance.

South Africa’s automotive industry is one of the country’s most important manufacturing sectors.

It supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs through vehicle assembly, component manufacturing, logistics and related services.

The industry also plays a major role in exports, with locally manufactured vehicles and components supplying international markets.

However, port congestion adds another obstacle to an industry already facing intense international competition.

If delays continue, manufacturers could face higher logistics costs, disrupted production schedules and difficulties delivering vehicles and components on time.

South Africa’s automotive industry cannot afford another major logistics crisis. With international competition increasing, reliable ports are essential to protecting local manufacturing, exports and employment.

Sources: New threat to one of South Africa’s most important sectors – Daily Investor

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