The apparent widespread lack of available workers at retail threatens to turn shoppers even more towards online commerce; this at a time when the supply chain can barely handle existing orders. Extreme measures taken by the most congested ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are yielding some results, but progress remains slow as the backlog was many months in building to such levels. Shipping companies now face fines that grow exponentially for each day empty containers sit at the port.
Operations at both ports are, in theory, running round the clock, though drivers still report issues gaining access at their assigned loading/unloading times. Some produce quality issues are being seen due to the long wait times at various points along the supply chain. Other measures are being used, such as allowing for containers to be stacked higher than normal, lessening the footprint as they are stored. Everyone involved in the logistics knows they are racing the clock, not only for the holiday season, but more immediately for the fresh fruits and vegetables passing through the ports.
Mexican avocado crossings through Texas expected to remain about the same. Trading was moderate as little harvest took place early in the week due to a holiday in Mexico. A wide range in prices was reported though overall prices remained generally unchanged. Demand fairly light on smaller sizes as volumes remain relatively heavy.
Peruvian imports of blueberries arriving through the Philadelphia and New York City areas movement via boat is expected to decrease as the season is past peak. Trading was moderate at lower prices. Quality reported as mostly good, although the product arriving is beginning to show effects of the end of the season. Mexican blueberry crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas movement expected about the same. Trading was very slow at lower prices.
Quality is reported as variable. Peruvian imports arriving through Southern California movement via boat is expected to decrease seasonally. Trading was slow with prices lower.
Cucumber movement from Mexico crossing through Nogales, Arizona is expected to increase seasonally. Trading was active early and fairly slow later, as heavy volumes and lower prices than other growing areas continue. Prices were much lower than last week and expected to continue to drop even further. Movement of Mexican cucumber crossings through Texas is expected about the same, with moderate trading on light available supplies. Prices on most sizes were
generally unchanged, with large slightly higher and most available supplies still reserved for contracts or previous commitments.
Mexican cucumber crossings through Otay Mesa are expected to decrease seasonally. Trading was moderate with prices on medium much lower and others lower. Shippers continue to drop their prices to compete with Nogales product. Cucumbers out of South Georgia movement expected to remain about the same. Trading was moderate at lower prices. Demand remains good and shippers are able to move product quickly. Cucumbers out of Central and South Florida movement is expected to increase. Trading was fairly slow and demand moderate as the first F.O.B. price report for waxed cucumbers has been issued.
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