In Spain, 78% of imports and 57% of exports move through the commercial port network. That is why any dockworkers' strike, in China or in the destination country, has an immediate impact on supply chains.
Direct consequences
- Delays in loading and unloading containers.
- Congestion at terminals and accumulation of ships waiting for berth.
- Increase in port costs and demurrage charges.
- Activation of alternative routes or transshipments that add days to transit times.
How it affects importers
For an importer, a port stoppage can mean missing key delivery dates, paying additional storage costs and dealing with claims from end customers. The impact is greater when the operation depends on a single port or a single shipping line.
How to mitigate the impact
- Plan with safety margins, especially around peak season and holidays.
- Diversify ports of origin and destination when possible.
- Consider air freight for the most critical part of the shipment.
- Stay in close contact with your freight forwarder to react quickly.
At MingTa Group we follow the situation of Chinese ports daily and design contingency plans for our clients. Contact us if you need to protect your supply chain against this type of event.