HousewaresNews.net continues its feedback series on the impact of global freight and shipping challenges on the housewares industry. Paul Spencer, managing director of barware expert Original Product (Jeray Sales) comments:
“I think Richard Walker from Eddington summed up the freight situation perfectly in his recent comment [HERE] and I concur this is the worst period ever for sea freight. The extortionate costs make a mockery of the so-called fairer move from conference (ie an association of several shipping companies where members may agree on price fixing and market share) to non-conference. A cartel still exists and the profiteering by the shipping lines is verging on the extreme.”
Paul reflects: “It has been really gratifying that our retailers in the UK and across Europe have understood the situation and been patient, adapting their requirements accordingly. Fortunately, we planned well in advance and so have our customers and that will continue into 2022 because there is no imminent change. Real inflation will clearly hit 5% as it has in the States, but demand will remain strong.”
