Heads up to the yard managers and procurement teams: the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is starting to ripple into the local supply chain. Aerontec, a staple for many of our local builders, has issued a customer advisory warning that the “geopolitical temperature” is officially hitting the composites market. “While the full impact is still unfolding, the composites industry is directly exposed through several key areas,” the Company says in its update. “Raw material availability may tighten, particularly for products derived from hydrocarbon feedstocks such as resins, solvents, and core materials. At the same time, rising energy costs could place upward pressure on pricing, as many composite materials require energy-intensive production processes.”
“Logistics is another area to watch. Airfreight capacity through major Middle Eastern hubs is currently constrained, with delays and increased rates already being observed. Sea freight routes may also face disruption, leading to longer transit times and more complex routing.”
Meanwhile, TNPA has dismissed concerns about congestion at the Port of Cape Town, despite some recent media reports. To date, very few of the ships rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope have called at the Port.
However, April’s fuel price hike is expected to have far-reaching impacts with no clarity on how long the prices will remain elevated.