There are some mixed signals in the marketplace right now. With reports that import volumes at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are potentially normalizing to pre-COVID levels, some are claiming the decline of ship arrivals marks the end of this year’s peak season. But that may not be the whole story.
According to FreightWaves, “the rising number of ships at anchor or loitering is creating the perception of a rising tide of U.S. imports, when in fact, higher wait times for ships are being caused by landside logistics issues and gridlock at the ports.” That’s some potentially good news, but the inland logjam is not showing many signs of letting up.
Over in Asia, congestion seems to be easing as ports start to similarly record drops in vessel traffic. Given all the rate volatility the shipping industry has experienced this past year, shippers are already working on their approach to next year’s contract negotiations. At the same time, air cargo handling charges are expected to increase by significant amounts in 2022 as costs for the sector continue to rise.
Meanwhile, many industry agencies are weighing in how supply chains could change following the aftermath of Biden’s new infrastructure deal.
To learn more about what these major U.S. trade associations are saying, or to read up on any of this week’s other top international shipping stories, check out the article highlights below:
