Everstream Analytics monitors and produces a weekly summary of supply chain impacts due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The update is provided free-of-charge to the industry.
- Following a cargo embargo due to a COVID-19 outbreak among staff members at Frankfurt International Airport, Lufthansa began easing freight restrictions for cargo to the United States, Canada, and select European locations, from January 31.
- Limited air cargo space between Germany, China, and Hong Kong is likely as authorities in China banned all Lufthansa passenger flights from Germany for 4 weeks from January 26, while Lufthansa canceled all passenger flights to Hong Kong until the end of February.
- Authorities in China have ordered lockdowns in several areas including Hongqiao District in Tianjin, and Xiong’an and Chenzhazi in Hebei following the discovery of COVID-19 cases. The lockdowns are set for 7 days as mass testing operations are underway.
- Labor shortage due to COVID-19 cases amid ground handling agents is causing air cargo delays at Singapore Changi Airport as of January 27, with delays to be expected for import and export shipments. Shanghai Pudong Airport also faces disruptions to operations following a COVID-19 case among its import handling employees, leading to a reduction in airfreight capacity between the U.S. and China, as of January 31.
- Trucks face congestion at the customs checkpoint in Mendoza between Argentina and Chile due to delays with COVID-19 testing, leading to over 3,000 trucks being stranded at the checkpoint.