South Africa discovered a new mutant strain of the new crown virus and was officially named the "Omi Keron" strain by the World Health Organization. Many European countries have detected people infected with the "Omi Keron" strain. The world is under high tension and global epidemic prevention The control situation is still severe. As of now, at least 9 countries and regions including Botswana, Belgium, Israel, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, Australia, etc. have reported the discovery of the new mutant strain within 5 days. In addition, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic are also suspected of having traces of this mutated strain, and further genetic sequencing of the virus is in progress.
Recently, many shipping companies in Southeast Asia have begun to levy additional charges such as congestion surcharges, peak season surcharges, and lack of containers due to rising freight rates and shortages of capacity. In addition, it is understood that U.S. shipping lines have also recently been suspended due to shortage of space. So, will the "Omi Keron" strain aggravate shipping tensions? Is shipping freight going to "take off" again in December?
U.S. routes, Southeast Asia may face large-scale suspension of flights
It is reported that freight rates in Southeast Asia have risen sharply in November, and a hard-to-find container has begun to appear in some Southeast Asian ports. Judging from the latest price increase notices of some Southeast Asian shipping companies, the price increase from Shekou Port to Bangkok and Laem Chabang Port in Thailand is USD350-700; from Shekou to Incheon Busan and other ports, the price increase is USD500-1000 directly. The increase is indeed not small.
The United Nations Trade and Development Council recently stated that the global economic recovery is being threatened by high freight rates and the remaining impact of the epidemic on the shipping industry. Before the disruption of the maritime supply chain, port restrictions and terminal inefficiencies are resolved, the global consumer price index will rise sharply in the next year.
UNCTAD called for immediate investment in ports and infrastructure. At the same time, flag states, ports, and labor supply countries should focus on solving the crew shift crisis that threatens the positive prospects of maritime trade.
UNCTAD emphasized that transportation costs are partly affected by structural factors. Including the quality of port infrastructure, trade facilitation environment and shipping connectivity. In view of this, UNCTAD is urging relevant countries and regions to take measures to expand the coverage of soft and hard infrastructure and services.
