If you haven’t seen any news on this yet, one of Southern China’s largest shipping ports was closed due to an outbreak of COVID-19. While many in America are getting used to the idea that the pandemic is “near its end” it continues to send ripples through almost every industry. After more than 18 months of logistical issues caused by this pandemic, international shipping has seen price rises, delays, congestion, and logistical challenges rise seemingly exponentially.

What Happened in South China’s Yantian Port?

As mentioned above, the Yantian port was closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Although this closure seems short-term, it will have large ripples through international shipping routes. Our routes have already been taxed by many logistical issues. The Suez canal blockage earlier this year caused a huge increase in shipping delays as well as price increases for both ocean and air freight. Because the Yantian Port had to halt all export containers for a six-day period, it is likely the international shipping community will feel the reverberations of this crisis for months to come.

How Will This Affect American Freight Forwarding

The international shipping system has had to overcome obstacle after obstacle for the last year and a half. Right now the entire shipping industry is working at maxed-out capacity. Which is disconcerting as we approach the peak demand for international shipments in Europe and America. Right now experts are predicting that the combined effects of the pandemic, the Suez blockage, and the Yantian Port closure will compound into issues throughout the rest of the summer into early fall. This is concerning as late summer is usually when peak orders are made for imports from Asia.

When Will Shipping Prices Normalize?

Currently, it is uncertain when things will “get back to normal”.  An issue many professionals in the shipping industry are having is that as vaccine distribution rises, more and more people think things are reaching “normal”. Unfortunately, many industries will feel echoes and reverberations of the last 18 months of shipping issues. So while concerns of COVID-19 decrease in America, it will take time for industries to bounce back. And with crises like the Yantian port closure or the Suez Canal blockage, many fear another crisis is hiding around the corner. Regardless of what the future may or may not hold, one thing is certain. Logistical experts will have to continue to adapt and overcome obstacles for international and domestic shipping.

How Bruning International Can Help

The team at Bruning International has helped countless clients over the years with international and domestic freight forwarding services. We have had to react to many changes in shipping including sudden emergencies, new laws, and other logistical issues. We can help you with imports and exports. Contact us today for a free quote.