Lockdowns, Floods in South Africa and China Prompt Massive Disruptions to One of the World’s Most Important Trade Routes

Data visualization of the current congestion off the coast of eastern China as cargo vessels wait to get into the Port of Shanghai. Image via Datatistic.

Simultaneous disruptions to the largest ports in China and South Africa are threatening to upend one of the world’s most important trade routes.

The ongoing lockdowns in Shanghai as part of the city’s battle against Omicron have led to a major slowdown at the port, forcing hundreds of vessels to idle offshore while others remain stuck in the docks due to a shortage of workers.

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by Eric Olander

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