Date: Thursday, March 3, 2011

Re:	French ports status update

France - Ports Status Update

Negotiations to resolve the strike activity are still underway (no signed agreement in place) but both ports have been operating. Le Havre is functioning at almost normal levels but Fos sur Mer still has a backlog delay of about 5 days and vessel calls are still being cancelled accordingly. Rail operators are not accepting orders until week 12 to clear the backlog. Warehousing is currently at capacity and short-term trucking solutions will be limited until the congestion improves.

For status on any pending orders check with your operations representative at 732-388-0101 or login to AXIS for further detail.