Crisis in international shipping and price hikes
4.10.2021
Question for written answer E-004514/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
José Ramón Bauzá Díaz (Renew)
The container crisis in maritime transport is having a huge impact on the whole EU production and supply chain. Oversupply, increased demand and the constant blockage of major Chinese ports have led to an increase in freight rates. The cost of shipping a container from China to Spain is now ten times greater than before the COVID crisis, and can be as much as EUR 15 000. Manufacturers have enormous difficulties in finding empty containers and vessels.
The container crisis, combined with rising commodity prices, a shortage of semiconductors and wheat as well as a lack of labour, have led to a rise in goods prices that will have a major impact on the Christmas season.
Given that around 90 % of the goods consumed worldwide are transported by sea:
- 1.Has the Commission planned any measures to mitigate the unprecedented logistical crisis that has paralysed the supply chain for essential materials?
- 2.Is the European Commission liaising with the International Maritime Organisation to find a solution to this global problem?