PUBLISHER: The Load Star (www.theloadstar.com)
Forwarders in Australia and New Zealand have said that spiralling cargo delays and freight rates will extend well into the new year.
David Aherne, CEO of Across the Ocean Shipping, said “more pain is yet to come”, thanks to upcoming events in China and the potential for more shipping hold-ups.
He explained: “Chinese New Year and the Beijing Winter Olympics are expected to add further pressure to already struggling supply chains, as port closures are expected, particularly in northern China, one of Australia’s most frequented shipping routes.”
And he said the Olympics could mean more factory closures in an attempt to “continue aiding pollution in the lead-up to the event”.
In New Zealand, meanwhile, border closures and the “ascendancy of shipping lines” is set to cause more anguish for cargo owners.