摘要: |
THE PORTTRACKER REPORT, which was recently issued by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and maritime consultancy Hackett Associates, reiterated that U.S.-bound retail container volumes are expected to come in below 2021 levels over the balance of 2022, with both inflation and expected actions by the Federal Reserve to reduce demand in the form of higher interest rates, serving as key drivers. "Consumers are still buying, but the cargo surge we saw during the past two years appears to be slowing down," said Johnathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and Customs policy at NRF. "Cargo volumes are solidly above pre-pandemic levels, but the rate of growth has slowed and even slid into negative numbers compared with unusually high volumes last year. The key now is dealing with ongoing supply chain issues around the globe and with labor negotiations at West Coast ports and freight railroads. Smooth operations at the ports and on the rails are crucial as we enter the busy holiday season." |