Supply chain problem hits Christmas business – salzburg.ORF.at
Salzburg companies are still struggling with late deliveries and increased transport costs. Often the companies are left with the increased costs because of longer contracts. The consumer already notices on the shelves where the choice of products is noticeably smaller than usual.
“Not a single delivery arrives on time”
So far, however, the shelves have only been empty at certain points. The reason for this begins in the cargo ports. Around the world, there are still traffic jams in front of the major ports. The supply chains of companies, such as those of an electronics specialist in Salzburg, are permanently disrupted. “The delivery and procurement situation is absolutely critical. This will continue in the months and years to come. In fact, not a single delivery arrives on time, ”says purchasing manager Heinz Ebner.
Goods are in the port – containers are not loaded
This overview can currently be observed worldwide. The main reason is the pandemic – many ports were closed for months – many goods were not processed. The global economy is now buzzing again, which has actually quadrupled container prices, but also means that many ports are overwhelmed by the onslaught.
“Some of the urgently needed goods, such as Christmas trees, are sometimes still on the shipping containers and cannot be unloaded. Balcony furniture, which is currently not in demand due to the year, is also in the port because it is not needed at the moment. The big challenge is to determine what has to be found out quickly so that the necessary products can even come onto the market ”, Daniel Zawarczynski, economic delegate from the USA.
The acute shortage of truck drivers also causes additional traffic jams when they are being transported out of the ports. Above all, this hurts the export-oriented Salzburg economy: six out of ten euros are earned in exports, it was 12 billion euros before the pandemic.
WK: “Companies are currently carrying a surcharge”
Companies also suffer from increased raw material prices, bottlenecks and price increases for goods such as computer chips. Since many companies have long-term services, the increased prices are currently not having such a strong impact on consumers. “In most cases it is.
Christmas shopping: expected smaller product range
Before the upcoming Christmas stone purchase, economic experts assume that the range of products in demand will be significantly lower this year.