A closer look at Christmas consumption
In its latest analysis, Copenhagen-based maritime intelligence provider Sea-Intelligence underlined that, while demand in USA maintains record levels, it is partially hampered by supply chain ruptures. Data proves that personal consumption in the country reached record levels in October 2021, with services nearing pre-pandemic levels and consumption of goods continuing to increase.
Breaking it down further, non-durable goods plateaued at a higher level after the initial impact of the pandemic, whereas durable goods, followed by an upwards spike in early 2021, fell back to the same high level.
An increase was followed by a subsequent sharp fall in motor vehicles and parts, with the decline caused by shortages of computer chips, and not due to container shipping supply chain issues.
However, that decline, which largely does not impact container shipping, is offset by the continued increase in recreational (video, audio, and photographic) and vehicles and other durable goods, items that are overwhelmingly moved in containers.
Within the other durable goods category, the growth is primarily driven by telephones and communication equipment, as well as jewellery and watches. (sh)