An anonymous housewares supplier has been quoted in a BBC news report covering soaring container prices and shipping challenges, including congestion at ports (June 20).
The housewares supplier did not want to be identified for ‘fear of being “blacklisted” by shipping firms. The individual warned the BBC that consumers will be “in for a shock over the coming months.” He commented: “There’s going to be a shortage of products, and prices will be much higher.”
Elaborating, the housewares supplier added: “We start shipping now to get stocks in for Christmas. Prices for houseware, giftware and so on – they’ll be going up, maybe as much as 40%.”
The BBC report highlighted the “crippling” toll that rising container costs are having on importers, with a shortage of worldwide container capacity driving prices up. Recent disruptions to shipping including the Suez Canal blockage and a Covid-19 outbreak affecting one of China’s busiest ports. The BBC also stated that ‘a number of importers’ say they ‘believe a lack of competition between shipping lines has also been having a major impact,’ with suggestions of price collusion. In the UK, shipping problems have been amplified by port congestion and a cut in the number of direct services.
* Holly Wilson’s From the frontline [click here] acknowledges the effects of the shortage of containers on her retail business in the current issue of Progressive Housewares.
* To comment on the Freight Debate (as a housewares supplier or retailer, in person or anonymously) email joh@max-publishing.co.uk
Top: Container costs have soared over course of the pandemic.
