APM Terminals CallaoOperator of the Northern Pier of Puerto del Callao, reported that the growing reduction in international prices of basic products (hydrocarbons, metals, fertilizers, chemicals, wheat, corn and barley) has increased the arrival of vessels. As a result, the waiting times for the download of goods have extended up to 15 days, generating congestion in the port due to the High operational demand.
“The logistics crisis aggravated by international and local factors that have generated cost overruns greater than 20 million dollars alone in January,” said Juan Carlos León Siles, an expert in international transport and logistics, to the Republic.
The fall in the commodities priceadded to the pressure to advance imports from China before the arrival of Donald Trump to power in the United States and the congestion on key routes such as the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal, have contributed to disorder in Europe and Latin America.
Logistic problems
Empty containers are fundamental for international trade logistics because they allow to balance the flow of goods between regions. In it Puerto del Callaowhere more containers are imported than exported, it is key to have voids available so that exporters can load their products and send them to their destinations.
The problem arises when, due to the high demand for spaces on ships, shipping companies prioritize transporting containers and leave empty in other countries, such as Ecuador, Peru and Chile.
“The Puerto del Callao faces limitations in its operational capacity,” said international transport and logistics expert.
And is that DP Worldspecialized in containers, maintains high efficiency in its operations, while APM Terminals It presents a massive general loading that forces it to operate at 120% of its nominal capacity even though it meets its contractual productivity criteria.
The logistics crisis has resulted in the discharge of ships, generating penalties of “Demurge” (Overbeat) that in the last year have added more than US $ 5 million in the bulk sector.
Impact in Peru
The impact of this crisis is reflected in the national economy. Peruvian export has decreased, affecting the income of companies and the country. In the case of imports, the cost overruns move to the final consumer, making basic products such as wheat, corn, soybeans and construction materials, which directly affects the population.
To this is added, in his opinion, the problem of Terrestrial Transport in Callaocomplicates by the works of line 2 of the subway and municipal decisions that have restricted access to the port.
More breakwater are needed
The ports of the Pacific coast, from Ecuador to Chile, have experienced an increase in the number of closures due to the swells, which has generated delays in loading and freight loading.
In that sense, initiatives were presented in Congress for the construction of breakwater in Paita, being a key port for the export of perishable production. And in Ilo, that with its most agitated sea and the absence of a container terminal in the south of the country, it forces exporters to transfer their merchandise to Callao, increasing logistics costs and affecting competitiveness
Source: Larepublica
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