Route Overview
Before the opening of the Suez Canal, the African route was the only sea route from Europe to Southeast Asia and East Asia. At present, due to the inability of large ships with a carrying capacity of over 250000 tons to pass through the Suez Canal and still need to bypass the Cape of Good Hope at the southern end of Africa, this route remains crucial for large oil tankers and bulk carriers. It is not only of great interest to countries such as Russia, India, and Vietnam, but also an indispensable part of the international shipping industry.
Route Classification
African shipping routes are usually divided into four regions in the shipping industry: East Africa, West Africa, South Africa, and North Africa, each with its unique port and route characteristics.
The main ports include Mombasa (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). These two ports are the gateway to East Africa, and many landlocked countries use them for transit. Shipping companies such as MSK, SAF, PIL, etc. on the East African route provide stable shipping schedules and faster routes, but there are differences in freight rates.
The main ports are Temagana (Ghana), Lome (Togo), Cotonou (Benin), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), and Lagos (Nigeria, including Apapa and Tinkan ports). There are numerous ship owners on the West African route, such as MOL, MSK, CMA, etc., providing diverse transportation options.
The main ports include Durban, Cape Town, etc. South African ports play an important role in the global shipping industry, and despite facing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, they are still the preferred anchorage and supply location for many circumnavigation vessels.
The main ports include Algiers (Algeria), Casablanca (Morocco), Oran (Algeria), etc. The North African route plays an important role in connecting Europe and the African continent.
Route Characteristics
have a long history: The African route was first explored by Dias when the new route was opened, with a profound historical background.
Economic Importance: For large oil tankers and bulk carriers, the African route is a necessary route around the Suez Canal, which has a significant impact on the global shipping industry and trade.
Numerous ports: The African continent has a long coastline and numerous ports, providing rich choices and convenient conditions for the shipping industry.
Challenges and opportunities coexist: While African air routes bring economic opportunities, they also face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and high navigation risks.
Product Quality Requirements
African countries are increasingly valuing the quality of imported goods and have taken various measures to ensure their quality. For example, the Kenyan Bureau of Standards announced the implementation of new import standardization labels to combat irregular importers and ensure the quality of imported goods. Other countries also require exporters/importers to issue a Certificate of Conformity (COC) for products that meet the standards of the importing country before shipment.
Tariff Policy
The tariff policies of African countries vary, and the tariff levels also differ depending on the type of goods and the country of origin. In recent years, many African countries have been increasingly inclined to adopt policies that increase the import cost of finished products in order to develop their own industries. Building materials, steel, cement, second-hand leather products, clothing, food, shoes and other products have been greatly affected. At the same time, some countries may implement tariff reduction policies for related imported goods in order to encourage the development of specific industries, such as the electric vehicle industry.
For more details, please contact Guangzhou Hongde International