Heilongjiang Lighthouse International Logistics Co., Ltd.

Global logistics operator DP World is expanding its maritime network with a new weekly shipping service connecting major Chinese ports with East and Southern Africa. The new route, named China Africa Link, is scheduled to begin operations in late November 2026.

Operated by DP World's Shipping Solutions AMEA division, the service will connect Shanghai, Ningbo and Nansha in China with Port Klang in Malaysia, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Maputo in Mozambique and Singapore, before returning to Shanghai.

The new connection will support the transportation of a wide range of goods, including machinery, electronics, construction materials and automotive components exported from China. African exports are expected to include agricultural products, minerals and other commodities.

The launch is part of DP World's broader strategy to develop integrated trade corridors that combine maritime shipping, port infrastructure and inland transportation. The company is also investing heavily in African logistics facilities, including a $165 million expansion of the Maputo container terminal in Mozambique and more than $500 million committed to modernising the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

These investments are expected to strengthen cargo handling capacity, improve regional connectivity and support growing trade flows between Asia and Africa.

For international freight forwarders, importers and exporters, the China Africa Link creates additional opportunities to diversify shipping routes and improve supply chain flexibility. More frequent connections and expanded port infrastructure can help businesses access new markets and develop more resilient logistics networks.

As trade between China and Africa continues to evolve, initiatives like China Africa Link highlight the growing importance of integrated transportation solutions in supporting international commerce.

China's foreign trade continues to show strong momentum. According to the latest customs data released on October 14, the country's exports jumped 36.3% year-on-year in September 2026, while imports increased by 31%.

As a result, China's monthly trade surplus reached a record $133.5 billion.

The growth was largely driven by strong international demand for electronics, semiconductors, automobiles and AI-related equipment, highlighting China's continued role as a major global manufacturing and export hub.

For the logistics industry, this is an important signal. Strong export activity could support demand for ocean freight, air cargo and international supply chain services, particularly on routes connecting China with major global markets.

However, higher trade volumes may also create additional pressure on shipping capacity, port operations and delivery schedules.

For shippers and logistics providers, the key takeaway is clear: China's export sector remains highly active, making flexible logistics planning and reliable transport solutions more important than ever.

China has opened the 134-km Pinglu Canal in Guangxi, creating a new direct waterway between inland areas of southwestern China and the Beibu Gulf.

- What changes for logistics?

The new canal significantly shortens the route from inland China to the sea. On some routes, vessels will be able to travel more than 560 km less than before.

The canal is designed to accommodate vessels of up to 5,000 tonnes, opening new opportunities for moving larger volumes of cargo by inland waterways.

- A stronger connection with ASEAN

The Pinglu Canal gives southwestern China a faster route to the ports of the Beibu Gulf and further to Southeast Asian markets.

For logistics, this means shorter routes, lower transportation costs and better connectivity between China’s inland regions and ASEAN countries.

The project is another major step in China’s development of alternative logistics corridors and its growing trade links with Southeast Asia.