Two typhoons in early September coupled with increased demand have caused container shortages and vessel delays of up to four days at main China load ports of Qingdao, Shanghai and Ningbo.

Recently the Chinese government has been engaged in military exercises along the coast which place restrictions on commercial vessels causing further delays of up to seven days. Specifically, there were naval military exercises from 8:00 am – 6:00pm on September 28 and 29 where major portions of the sea coast were closed to commercial vessels.

The delays have been further compounded by the propensity of shippers to load containers early in advance of the annual Mid Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, October 1 through October 7. The combination of early loading, scheduling restrictions related to military exercises and related terminal congestions will likely result in delays of up to seven days continuing through mid to late October.

All this is further compounded by unprecedented uptick in demand as importers seek to replenish inventories that were depleted during the COVID-19 related slowdown in the United States, increases in the movement of PPE and the usual pre-holiday rush.

Worldwide Logistics will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates. Meanwhile advance booking of at least 10-14 days and close coordination with shippers is highly recommended.