The National Retail Federation has delivered a letter to the White House this week asking the Biden administration to address congestion challenges that retailers are currently faced with at U.S. ports.
Retailers rely on U.S. ports and other transportation infrastructure to deliver products to consumers each day. According to the NRF, annual retail sales forecast is expected to grow between 10.5-13.5% in 2021 as the economic recovery accelerates post-pandemic.
“The supply chain disruption issues, especially the congestion affecting our key maritime ports, are causing significant challenges for America’s retailers. The congestion issues have not only added days and weeks to our supply chains but have led to inventory shortages impacting our ability to serve our customers. In addition, these delays have added significant transportation and warehousing costs for retailers,” states NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in the letter.
Per NRF:
- Although consumer demand continues to grow, evidenced by imports during the busiest April on record at the largest U.S. retail container ports, the supply chain challenges remain significant.
- In a recent survey of NRF member companies on the congestion situation, over 97% of retailers surveyed say they have been impacted by port and shipping delays.
“The supply chain disruption issues, especially the congestion affecting our key maritime ports, are causing significant challenges for America’s retailers. The congestion issues have not only added days and weeks to our supply chains but have led to inventory shortages impacting our ability to serve our customers. In addition, these delays have added significant transportation and warehousing costs for retailers. The supply chain disruption issues, especially the congestion affecting our key maritime ports, are causing significant challenges for America’s retailers. The congestion issues have not only added days and weeks to our supply chains but have led to inventory shortages impacting our ability to serve our customers. In addition, these delays have added significant transportation and warehousing costs for retailers,” the letter continues.
