Africa’s expanding role in global fresh produce trade is coming under strain as shortages of refrigerated containers tighten export supply chains. The imbalance between import and export flows is at the centre of the issue, creating what industry players describe as a growing “reefer gap” across key logistics hubs.
Most imports into African markets—such as machinery, plastics and textiles from Asia—arrive in standard dry containers. In contrast, exports of perishable goods like fruit, vegetables and flowers require refrigerated containers to maintain strict temperature and humidity conditions. This mismatch is leaving exporters scrambling for equipment, particularly during peak seasons.
Recent data highlights the scale of the challenge. At major ports such as Durban and Mombasa, as much as 55% of refrigerated container demand has gone unmet during high-export periods. This shortfall is emerging at a time when agricultural exports are accelerating, supported by trade frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
South Africa remains the continent’s leading containerised export hub, with citrus alone accounting for roughly 40% of shipments. Over the past decade, fruit exports—including oranges, apples, grapes and cherries—have grown steadily. Meanwhile, Kenya is strengthening its position as a regional export hub, driven largely by rapid growth in avocado production.
However, the logistical challenge extends beyond ports. Many production areas are located far inland, meaning empty refrigerated containers must be transported over long distances before they can be used. This adds both cost and complexity, further constraining availability.
Shipping lines are attempting to manage the imbalance through strategies such as using non-operating reefers (NOR), also known as “reefer as dry” (RAD), where refrigerated containers are used to carry dry cargo with cooling systems switched off. While this helps reposition equipment, it does not fully resolve the structural shortage.
Global shipping disruptions are compounding the problem. Longer transit times—often extended by 10 to 14 days due to vessel rerouting—are slowing container circulation and reducing effective supply. Industry players note that the issue is less about a lack of containers overall and more about inefficiencies in movement and positioning.
Despite these constraints, export volumes continue to rise. South Africa’s citrus industry is forecast to produce between 205 million and 210 million cartons in the 2026 season, while Morocco is seeing improved harvest conditions alongside ongoing port development efforts.
Freight rates have remained relatively stable but are increasingly influenced by fuel costs, surcharges and regulatory changes. As Africa deepens its participation in global agricultural trade, the combination of equipment shortages, inland logistics challenges and global shipping disruptions is placing growing pressure on cold chain systems.
Addressing the reefer gap will be critical to sustaining export growth, improving supply chain resilience and ensuring that African producers can reliably access international markets.