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Global port congestion reaches record levels amid EU-China trade tensions
Global maritime trade is facing significant disruptions as port congestion reaches record levels, surpassing the peaks seen during the pandemic era. In September, approximately 4 million TEU of container capacity remained idle outside ports. Ship waiting times have nearly doubled compared to 2019 levels, while schedule reliability remains low, between 50 and 65 percent.
In Europe, supply chains are navigating intense cost pressures. Energy prices are expected to remain elevated through at least Q1 2027 due to the conflict in Ukraine and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, trade relations between the EU and China are becoming increasingly complex. EU imports from China rose 12.5 percent year-over-year as of June, resulting in a monthly trade deficit of 35.1 billion euros. The European Commission has characterized the relationship as ‘critically unbalanced’ and is expanding its use of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures.
Entities
China · European Commission · European Union · Jaguar Freight
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Gas prices may remain elevated through at least the first quarter of 2027 due to the Ukraine conflict and Hormuz disruptions. eaccny.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The EU faces a monthly trade deficit of 35.1 billion euros with China. eaccny.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] EU imports from China increased by 12.5 percent year-over-year as of June. eaccny.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ship waiting times have nearly doubled compared to 2019 levels. eaccny.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Global port congestion has reached record levels, exceeding pandemic-era peaks. eaccny.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nearly 4 million TEU of container capacity sat idle outside ports in September. eaccny.com