The economic recovery after COVID-19 and the increase in the demand for goods by companies caused congestions in maritime transport, supply chain interruptions, delayed deliveries and reduced availability of goods, in addition to the complications for COVID-19 infections and to the increase in logistics costs and sea freight rates. With regard to the punctuality of the container ships, improvements had been highlighted last September and October, but according to the latest Global Liner Performance report by Sea Intelligence, significant delays continue to be recorded, with only 33.6% of ships on time. Furthermore, the blank sailing and the container shortage, but above all the increase in the price of logistics and sea freight rates disrupted maritime transport. Sea freight rates surge to new highs in particular in trade from China. These increases inevitably affect the transport costs for companies. Among all, IKEA is one of the most significant examples in this period: the world's biggest furniture brand - which produces nearly a quarter of products in China -, has announced prices at its stores will increase by an average of 9% to compensate for the increase in transportation and raw material costs, including wood, copper, steel. Similarly, the coffee price has also increased, reaching 2.5 dollars on the Ice market in New York, as well as the rise in gas and electricity prices, in a general context of shipping challenges and increase in inflation.
