Exporters are reporting difficulty in securing container
space and are experiencing shipping delays of up to six
weeks, according Export NZ, a division of Business NZ.
"This is not desirable for a country that is pinning its
hopes on an export-led recovery and not good for exporters'
relationships with overseas customers," said Catherine Beard,
executive director of Export NZ.
Export NZ attributes the delays to a reduction in global
shipping capacity and a seasonal bulge in production of
perishable goods. Small exporters are being particularly hard
hit. The problems are greatest in Hawke's Bay, Christchurch
and Otago.
Shippers are also operating vessels at a slower speed to
reduce costs.
"Some exporters are having problems getting container space
despite having firm bookings," Ms Beard said. "They are
getting bumped at the last minute and their goods are not
going a day or two later, but they are experiencing delays of
a month to six weeks to get their products away."
There was always an issue during peak season, but it had
increased because shipping companies had taken capacity out
of the market to boost their profitability.
"Some shipping companies are also slow steaming to reduce
cost. This slow steaming results in longer delivery times for
exports, has shelf life implications and could require
greater inventory levels."
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