South Africa's USD 167M Export Revenue Threatened by Transnet's Strike

The South African berry industry is anxious that an ongoing strike by state port operator Transnet's employees could put 30,000 jobs at risk and affect the industry's export revenue of USD 167 million. With the local harvesting season that usually commences in mid-September and peak exports occurring from October through November, the livelihoods of a third of South Africa's berry producers are at risk. BerriesZa Association has requested urgent intervention in the strike from the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Trade and Industry, and Transnet executives. The port operator announced force majeure on October 6, 2022, citing the strike's significant effects on economic activity in all sectors. Part of its plea is that contingency plans be implemented to ensure that berries move through the ports.