Lockdowns, Floods in South Africa and China Prompt Massive Disruptions to One of the World’s Most Important Trade Routes

Data visualization of the current congestion off the coast of eastern China as cargo vessels wait to get into the Port of Shanghai. Image via Datatistic.

Simultaneous disruptions to the largest ports in China and South Africa are threatening to upend one of the world’s most important trade routes.

The ongoing lockdowns in Shanghai as part of the city’s battle against Omicron have led to a major slowdown at the port, forcing hundreds of vessels to idle offshore while others remain stuck in the docks due to a shortage of workers.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.