Port congestion not confined just to the US west coast

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As tension mounts along the US west coast, with calls for federal mediation to try to end what appears to be a deadlock between dockworkers and the Pacific Maritime Association, congestion is said to be worsening. Between eight and 15 ships are waiting to enter the two Los Angeles-based ports at any given time, said a spokesman. Meanwhile here Transport Intelligence reminds us that the situation is dire at origin ports in Asia as well. Delays are have been reported at Incheon, Shanghai, Qingdao, Ho Chi Minh and Hong Kong, where shippers are also upset by box line congestion surcharges – which they believe are the fault of the carriers anyway. Of course, worst of all is Manila, where port operator ICTSI is feeling the heat.

Forwarders also report prices are “going through the roof” on transpacific routes as a result of the Asian congestion.