Shipping Update May 13, 2021
Continued demand for cargo shipping
Demand for shipping is affecting almost every category – manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, electronic and food products. According to the IHS Purchasing Managers’ Index for the US, this has been the largest expansion of the manufacturing sector since 2007. Globally manufacturing reached a 10 year high in March and global export orders rose to 53.4 in February.
North America
For port operations, intermodal and domestic, contact NASA to be added to the detailed report. New York, Los Angeles / Long Beach, Oakland and Seattle are seeing high levels of congestion at the terminals.
South America
Normal operations have resumed at empty container depots in Chile following trucker blockages last week. However during that time pickups and loading schedules for vessels were impacted; check with myHillebrand status or your local Hillebrand representative for updated information on any pending loads. Note that ocean carrier services out of Chile to North America are facing further pricing pressures due to capacity restraints. Also plan ahead for winter disruption for shipments moving across the Andes from Argentina to Chilean ports, intermittent closures and winter hours will affect scheduled departures.
Europe
High demand continues to impact equipment supply and vessel space is at a premium for shipments from major wine and spirits production areas. Note bank holidays in France are May 13th and May 24, 2021. Continue to adjust lead times to build in more time for full loads; for urgent orders visit Hillebrand’s groupage (consolidation) schedules or consider airfreight service.
Tariff Updates
NASA continues to work with industry organizations advocating for the removal of tariffs on industries not associated with the Boeing-Airbus trade disputes. View the industry letters submitted on www.toastsnottariffs.org. Currently the related additional 25% tariff suspensions are set to expire July 4th (UK) and July 11th (European Union) unless an agreement can be reached. We will continue to share any new developments.