We expect this year to be quite volatile. Inflation globally been coming down and the market consensus is for interest rates cuts to come into effect later in the year, GDP growth is still muted. Added to this, current geopolitical tensions are high. While these tensions currently only have a direct effect on certain regional trade routes such as Europe-Asia, should they escalate, it certainly can destabilise global trade and supply chains in many ways.

As an example, the recent military strikes in the Red Sea have resulted in sea freight cargo being delayed in transit and subsequently companies impacted have had to airfreight additional stock in to compensate for the sea freight delays. This pushes up the demand for airfreight and with an increase in demand, the airfreight rates also increase. This leads to higher landed costs. Sea freight costs also increase on trades impacted by the current Red Sea situation because shipping lines have diverted their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope which increases their transit times and costs as well as reduces their capacity and equipment availability.

It is also an election year for more than 50 other countries this year and we know that with this, it can create uncertainty in various forms such as investments and policy, but it also can bring about positive sentiment depending on the respective outcomes.

Weather patterns are becoming more volatile and extreme – and can have the ability to impact global capacity and routes. One just has to examine the recent drought in Panama to see the impact of climate change on global trade. If we start to get significant increases in weather events for extended periods of time, we may see experience disruptions to supply chains.

From a South African perspective, the biggest concern is the efficiency of ports and rail infrastructure.

If sustainable progress doesn’t get made soon, we may see further route and capacity changes on the South African in-and-outbound routes as it has become too expensive to have vessels stuck in ports for days and weeks. Shipping lines could utilize their capacity more effectively on other trades if required. We may even see some remove direct sailings or only have limited sailings coming into South Africa – which will reduce available capacity and increase freight rates.

Transnet’s financial performance is worrying, and all eyes will be on National Treasury’s budget speech in February regarding a possible bailout. Key leadership positions within Transnet also need to be finalized.

The Rand is also expected to remain under pressure and with ongoing concerns around Transnet and loadshedding, investor confidence remains muted. Moreover, it’s a big election year this year, which may cause some uncertainty.

While much is underway at Transnet to improve performance across multiple areas, we still don’t expect rail to operate efficiently this year and is likely still going to be a hinderance to the industry and South Africa’s economic growth. To get it where it needs to be, with tangible change, it is going to require substantial collaboration across private and government sectors as rail and ports need to work together to achieve meaningful change and progress. This of course will require the clear policies, transparency, investment, and decisive leadership.

Generally, given the last few years, we should be able to adapt much quicker to supply chain shocks – learning from the lessons from the past and being able to adjust to any disruptions. However, importers need to be cautious, they need to watch their costs closely, adjust lead times where required and examine ways of ensuring that their working capital is effectively utilized. Financial discipline is key and market conditions will eventually become more buoyant which will open additional avenues and opportunities for growth both locally and abroad, they need to be able to take advantage of these.

My advice: Close collaboration with your key supply chain stakeholders and financial partner(s) is essential. Have a clear understanding of changes to market and industry conditions and the impacts these could have – they do present opportunities. Take time to plan effectively for scenarios that could pose a risk to your business.