Due to the spread of the Coronavirus and consequent quarantine procedures, most ports of origin in China are shut down, until Feb 10 currently, and further suspensions are likely.
More than 30 blank sailings have been scheduled in the first quarter of 2020 because of CNY Holiday, poor loading prospects and drydocking for installation of Scrubber. For all these reasons, there are likely to be more disruptions to the normal sea freight services and more rolling of containers and delays in deliveries.
Importers may need to change how they buy products from China and buy higher quantities of imports to avoid running low on stock.
Good communication is important to minimise the impact to importers and exporters and to provide the best services possible under the circumstances.