IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL CLIENTS

Global Shipping – Market Update

Global shipping continues to be hugely unstable and problematic with empty container shortages, schedule changes, port omissions and blank sailings.

The situation has in fact worsened to a point whereby carriers themselves are struggling to maintain accurate visibility and transmission of updated, current, and real time status of their vessels for both imports and exports.

In addition to the above, there has also been a serious Covid outbreak at one of Southern China’s major ports in Yantian causing major delays and disruptions which are severely impacting on the ports ability to service inbound and outbound vessels.

The situation in Yantian is only singular at present, however with surging virus cases continuing in India and now across most of Asia, we understand there may indeed be further lockdowns that will have an immense impact on international shipping.

Given the above, we recommend that you look at your current and future lead times and make adjustments accordingly when committing to into store dates.

We further recommend that you forward a minimum of 2-3 months of order and volume forecasting in order to achieve the best possible outcome as market indicators are suggesting the global market shall continue to struggle leading up to peak season which in itself will pose further challenges to global supply chains for the remainder of 2021.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update you as the situation evolves.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your account representative.

Yours faithfully,