Mozambique Political Turmoil Disrupts Eswatini Sugar Exports

Mozambique’s political disturbances are disrupting Eswatini’s sugar exports by causing supply chain challenges and necessitating the search for alternative transport routes. The Maputo port, crucial for Eswatini’s sugar exports, is currently affected, leading to increased costs and delays. As unrest continues, regional economies may face further repercussions unless strategic trade routes are found.

The ongoing political unrest and protests in Mozambique have significantly impacted Eswatini’s sugar industry, leading to substantial disruptions in supply chains and exports. Eswatini relies heavily on the terminal located at the Maputo port in Mozambique to export its raw sugar to the European Union and the United States. This terminal, co-owned by Eswatini, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, has been crucial for the sugar sector since the 1990s.

Nontobeko Mabuza, representing the Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA), expressed concern over the potential long-term effects of the unrest, indicating that it could threaten Eswatini’s exports to regional and global markets. “However, we can transport sugar through the Durban port in South Africa, albeit at a higher expense,” Mabuza remarked, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining consistency in deliveries amid these changes.

In 2023, the ESA reported revenues of $305 million from sugar exports, with a notable volume of 26,000 tons sold to the United States through the U.S.-Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. Nevertheless, Bhekizwe Maziya, the chief executive of the national agriculture marketing board, highlighted that the instability in Mozambique has resulted in severe traffic issues and border delays. Maziya noted that transport rerouting had led to significant congestion at Eswatini’s borders with South Africa.

The protests, instigated by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, have resulted in violent clashes with security forces, causing over 100 fatalities and complete traffic shutdowns on major routes in Mozambique. Political activist Solomon Mondlane warned that this turbulence could have adverse repercussions for the economies of southern Africa, especially for landlocked nations like Eswatini seeking alternative routing for exports. “With the unrest showing no signs of abating, neighboring countries must assess their trade dependencies on Mozambique and explore alternate routes,” Mondlane stated.

Furthermore, political analyst Sibusiso Nhlabatsi called for the Southern African Development Community to enhance conflict management strategies among its member states, urging the establishment of accountability frameworks to safeguard regional stability against such internal conflicts as evidenced in Mozambique.

Eswatini’s sugar industry is heavily dependent on the port terminal in Maputo, Mozambique, for exporting its products. This reliance has made the sector vulnerable to the political instability affecting Mozambique. With Mozambique currently facing turmoil, the ramifications have extended beyond its borders, straining transport networks and impacting trade routes essential for Eswatini’s economy. Political unrest can severely disrupt vital trade relations, particularly for countries dependent on neighboring trade routes.

In conclusion, the political unrest in Mozambique has led to significant challenges for Eswatini’s sugar industry, creating disruptions in supply chains and prompting a need for alternative export routes. The current instability not only threatens Eswatini’s export revenues but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of regional economies. As neighboring countries navigate these challenges, it is crucial that they assess their trade dependencies and establish robust strategies to mitigate future disruptions while promoting regional stability.

Original Source: www.voanews.com