Market
US Section 122 tariff surcharge on Africa lapses, restoring AGOA duty-free access
Following the US Supreme Court's February 2026 ruling against the administration, the White House imposed new across-the-board rates of 10 percent, but these were limited by statute to 150 days and automatically lapsed on 24 July, restoring duty-free access under AGOA. Reporting notes AGOA countries' exports to the US fell by roughly 10 percent after tariffs were imposed in August 2025 versus the 2023–2024 average, with front-loading of exports ahead of tariff dates, and that AGOA was reauthorized through 2026 after expiring in September 2025.
ITG interpretation: This is a US-market development but it reshapes African exporters' incentives: restored AGOA access reduces pressure to divert goods toward alternative buyers, while lingering uncertainty over US policy strengthens the case for diversification toward China and Türkiye-linked value chains. ITG can position sourcing/logistics services around exporters hedging US-market volatility.
Sources: Center for Global Development – Tariff Whiplash in Africa: What Happened and What's to Come
Market
Türkiye's exports to Africa up 12.6% to $13.3bn in first seven months of 2026
Türkiye's exports to Africa reached $13.3 billion in the first seven months of 2026, a 12.6% year-on-year increase, with July alone rising 16.3% to $2.3 billion, per figures cited by Türkiye-Africa Business Council Chairman Osman Aksoy. Egypt was among the strongest markets with Turkish exports up 26.1% to $2.3 billion (Jan–Jul); exports to South Africa rose 31.3% to $479 million and to Nigeria rose 52.1% to $453.2 million. Trade press notes advantages including the Türkiye-Egypt Free Trade Agreement and Egypt's COMESA access.
ITG interpretation: The steep growth into Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa confirms these as ITG's highest-momentum lanes; Egypt in particular offers a compounding advantage as a re-export and joint-production base via the FTA and COMESA. Nigeria's growth is real but shadowed by currency volatility flagged in the same reporting.
Sources: MyJoyOnline (AA figures) · Daily Sabah
Market
Africa container capacity to stay tight and rates elevated through H2 2026
Per DHL Global Forwarding's August 2026 Ocean Freight Market Update, global container fleet capacity is expected to grow about 4% this year, below the roughly 6% historical average, while congestion, geopolitical disruption, rerouting and strong Asian export demand absorb much of the added capacity. The assessment concludes African importers should prepare for a shipping market that remains expensive, selective and unpredictable through much of 2026, with elevated freight rates, tighter container availability and less reliable schedules.
ITG interpretation: Effective capacity for Africa is not improving despite newbuild deliveries, so ITG should treat 2026 as a structurally tight year and plan procurement and inventory around unreliable transit rather than optimistic ETAs. Shippers competing purely on the lowest freight rate will likely absorb the most disruption.
Sources: The Africa Logistics (citing DHL Aug 2026 update)
Market
Türkiye's exports to Africa hit $13.3bn in 7M2026, up 12.6% year-on-year
Türkiye's exports to Africa reached $13.3 billion in the first seven months of 2026, a 12.6% increase year-on-year, with July exports up 16.3% to $2.3 billion. Exports to South Africa rose 31.3% to $479 million and to Nigeria rose 52.1% to $453.2 million, while shipments to Morocco and Algeria declined. Machinery, electricals, automobiles, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, food and construction materials were the leading export sectors.
ITG interpretation: Momentum is strongest in Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa lanes and in ITG's core categories (machinery, construction materials, steel, textiles), signaling where sourcing and forwarding demand is likely concentrating; the decline into Morocco/Algeria warrants a closer look at competitive or regulatory friction there.
Sources: MyJoyOnline (Anadolu Agency) · africa.com (Anadolu Ajansi)