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Shipping Cost

Shipping Cost Increases Causing Hikes in Consumer Goods Prices

Value chains and container shipping are faced with major disruptions while many countries are looking for alternative supplies of grain, gas, and oil. According to UNCTAD, the Ukraine – Russia conflict has put a significant strain on the Black Sea region and logistics and trade in Ukraine, raising shipping costs globally and increasing demand for […]

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Shipping Plastic Waste

Shipping Lines No Longer Accepting Plastic Waste

Major shipping lines announced they would be no longer shipping scrap plastic from developed countries to Southeast Asia and China. Until 1992, China used to be #1 destination for plastic imports, which would be recycled and used for manufacturing. When the country’s economy expanded, its scrap output also increased. Currently China has more than enough […]

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Shanghai’s Covid-19 Lockd freight forwarders

Domestic and Global Impact of Shanghai’s Covid-19 Lockdown

Lockdowns in various Chinese cities have increased pressure on logistics and transport, as Covid-19 cases continue to rise across the country. The trucking industry has been hard hit, which plays a key role in shipping cargo to major ports in China. There are also restrictions on deliveries and truck drivers moving goods to areas with […]

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China and Implications for Shipping

Massive Lockdowns in China and Implications for Shipping

Covid-19 is not over yet, with China reporting the worst outbreak since the onset of the pandemic. The third most populous city, Shenzhen was placed on lockdown this Sunday, and factories closed temporarily. Shanghai has also experienced a surge in cases, and new restrictions have been imposed. Shenzhen is the home to the world’s third […]

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Global Supply Chains

Global Supply Chains under Pressure due to New Lockdowns in China

Recent coronavirus outbreaks have forced China to implement new restrictions that can further strain global supply chains, resulting in disrupted flow of goods and even higher inflation. Global supply chains are already under pressure due to port congestions, delayed ships, and a surge in demand. New Challenges Ahead The tightening restrictions in the Jilin province […]

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ship transport

Ship Backlogs Expected to Ease by Mid-2022

Ship backlogs have lasted for two years already due to the global health and economic crisis. According to experts, however, backlogs are expected to let up in mid-2021, easing pressure on carriers and container capacity. This would also mean less revenue for the big cargo carriers from the spot market. So far, freight rates have […]

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small shipments e-commerce

Is the Online Shopping Boom Going to Continue Post-Covid-19?

Demand for online delivery and products shipped to your doorstep has increased with the onset of the pandemic, as many consumers have been forced to work from home. Questions that beg to be answered are: what kind of people buy products online, is this shift in consumer behavior temporary or will continue post-Covid-19, and how […]

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international freight forwarders

Mariners and Truck Drivers Refuse Contracts as the New Variant Spreads

With truck drivers concerned over travel restrictions and border closures and ship crew refusing to sign contracts, the shipping industry is facing challenging times. From small logistics companies to big businesses, freight forwarders find it increasingly difficult to get enough staff amidst a surge in omicron infections. According to experts, about 20 percent of truck […]

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Shipping Industry

6 Ways in Which the Health Crisis Affected the Shipping Industry

The ongoing health crisis has affected shipping in many ways, from the medical handling of suspect Covid-19 cases and crew repatriation to vessel attendance for statutory purposes and certification and delayed repairs and retrofits.   Handling of Suspect Cases Medical handling of suspect cases can be a challenge due to shortage of equipment and supplies […]

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Pandemic Control Strategies

China Expected to Double Down on Pandemic Control Strategies

The new Omicron variant could be another resilience test for trade flows and already stretched global supply chains. The Chinese government has already enforced a zero-Covid policy, involving strict monitoring of cargo and commercial ships, enforced quarantines, and mass lockdowns. According to experts, the government may double down on this strict policy. If the new […]

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