MATERIALS 7-PAGE SPECIAL
ahead?
At the moment, we’re not expecting huge disruption but we can’t rule it out yet. “A lot of people will have been
more aware over the last couple of years of the importance of having resilience in the supply chain and having other options to turn to when there is congestion.”
Simplifying trade While imports may face bumps in the road, it’s hoped companies who send their products to the EU could fi nd the process becomes simpler in future. “We’re not expecting any additional problems with exports,” said Mark. “If anything, we hope they’ll start to improve. The UK Government is talking to France, the Netherlands and other countries about how trade facilitation can be improved for exports and hopefully, they can start to work together in a more constructive way.” Goods come into this country in two main ways – either driven here on lorries or shipped in containers. Most imports from the EU tend to travel by lorry,
whereas
“Make your plan early and make sure your suppliers and customers are ready”
goods from further afi eld usually arrive via shipping containers. As the pandemic swept the world,
COVID-related issues caused disruption to global shipping and the supply of goods. While the peak of the problems has passed in the UK, other countries are still dealing with volatility. Mark said: “Around the world there are a large number of containers in the wrong place. Because of the issues at the moment,
a lot of the empty containers are not fi nding their way back to where they need to be, which is adding to freight rates and the general problem. “Some ports in North America are
having a tough time and that’s contagious – if ships are delayed by a week going in there then it delays their future call.” The COVID controls also brought in
delays for lorries travelling to Europe. France introduced new requirements for travellers without the usual exemption for hauliers. “That was a big shock,” said Mark, “but people are getting used to the controls now.”
Calm after the storm Certain goods carry extra regulations which can made trade more complicated. However, electrical fi rms are in a good position to avoid a lot of the problems that have aff ected other sectors, such as the seafood industry. Mark explained: “What the authorities tend to view as the riskiest products are plant and animal-based products, for example food, wood and timber. Finished goods and components tend to be viewed as lower risk, so there will be fewer controls placed on them.”
Looking ahead, Mark is hoping to see more stability and calm following the upheaval of the last year. He said: “Things have been really stable recently and I think everyone just hopes that continues.”
Read about the supply chain issues which have seen substandard and counterfeit goods infi ltrating the market Page 32-33
CABLEtalk JUNE/JULY 2021 31
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