Global shipping delays are causing significant problems for the almond industry - and are set to be a headache for importers and exporters for months to come . Click through for ABA CEO Tim Jackson ' s interview with freight specialist Brian Mousley to find out more .
Freight crisis set to continue
THERE ' S no end in sight for the global shipping delays that have already hit the almond industry hard . The unprecedented situation is hitting both importers and exporters and has wide-ranging implications for our industry from impacting the sourcing of machinery , to triggering rising input costs for growers and causing delays in getting nuts into export markets . Almond Board of Australia CEO Tim Jackson recently spoke with Port Adelaide-based freight specialist Brian Mousley , who has been in the shipping game for more than 40 years . Brian provided a sobering update on the challenges facing the almond industry – and you can watch the full interview at the link above . A perfect storm of COVID-19 restrictions over the past two years , worldwide container shortages , substantial increases in shipping volumes and demand and major
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In addition to the logistical difficulties , freight costs are also rising rapidly , putting pressure on growers by raising input costs .
weather events has cause spiralling delays across the global shipping network . For almond industry stakeholders , there have been major disruptions for the importation of essential equipment and machinery from markets such as the US . In addition to the logistical difficulties , freight costs are also rising rapidly , putting pressure on growers by raising input costs . With harvest now wrapping up and new-season nuts to market , there are mounting challenges for marketers to get produce into key export destinations including India and China . Exporters will need to be keeping this front of mind and look towards longer-term solutions , as well as managing the timeframe expectations of their customers . They should also seek protection from rising shipping prices by stipulating conditions and protections in contracts . The challenges aren ’ t limited to the Australian almond industry , with US growers also significantly impacted – possibly to a greater extent . With forecasts that delays and high costs are expected to continue until at least September 2022 – and realistically well beyond that – industry stakeholders need to be patient and prepared to play the long game when it comes to global freight .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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