Experts Predict Shipping Crisis to Continue Through 2023

Disruptions to the supply chain have been happening at a widespread global level. 

Increasing consumer demand and supply chain disruptions have made it difficult for companies to ship and receive their cargo on time. And between labour shortages and COVID-19 related port closures, it’s only getting worse. 

Chief Executive of Victorian-based freight forwarding firm Verus Global, Jackson Meyer, said that a variety of products will be affected by the delays and the resulting increase in cost. From food, clothing, furniture, to technological products, it appears that nothing is exempt from the current shipping crisis. 

Meyer has also explained that “The situation is so dire, that I firmly believe things won’t go back to normal until at least early 2023. For world trade, 2020 was a bad year, 2021 hasn’t been any better, and unfortunately, 2022 is set to top them all.”

Brian Walker, CEO from the Retail Doctor Group, has stated that “It’s definitely more challenging for consumers to order online internationally at this point… [as] the entire supply chain, [from manufacturing to freight] is impacted by COVID-19.” 

There are a lot of containers just sitting around at ports, waiting to be picked up. And with congestion and a myriad of other shortages in the industry, it looks like the global shipping crisis is here to stay for a while. 

There is no immediate solution to the crisis, but if you’re worried about Christmas gifts, or are looking for international products to buy, it may be the time to turn to domestic suppliers. It’s never a bad time to explore and support local businesses.