Covid outbreak in China – update

Dear customers,

The following are the current implications in different fields:

Air freight

EL – AL Airlines has announced that they are suspending direct flights from Shanghai from 17/08 due to new and stricter restrictions by the Chinese government on foreign crews.

The alternative foreign airlines are fully occupied – a fact which causes long transport times and the increase in air transport, mainly from the Shanghai area.

Sea freight

We have received updates from suppliers who are unable to arrive on time for the upcoming cruises this week due to the eruption of Covid in their province and the inability to transport goods to the county where the port is located (transportation of goods between counties can be significantly delayed).

The ports are at full capacity due to huge delays of the ships, which are also due to the extreme weather that was in China this week and as a result a large accumulation of containers waiting to be loaded.

Shipping companies no longer allow containers to be received more than two days before the ship arrives and due to the delays of the ships and the Covid condition is currently starting to form a shortage of land carriers.

Sea freight prices continue to rise – two shipping companies have already announced price increases starting in mid-August.

We are at your service for any questions and will keep you updated on developments.