While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced most countries to partially or entirely close their borders to travelers, many governments have insisted on keeping supply chains open. This has kept international shipping safe, which is good news for traders since shipping is responsible for 90% of international trade. But of course, the people loading, transporting, and unloading these goods are possible vectors of the virus, putting international shipping at risk. Unfortunately, this is not the only obstacle it is currently facing.

The first challenge is simply a lack of demand. People are staying home, not going out as much, and spending less money, which has naturally caused a significant lack of demand for products and goods. As countries move out of lockdowns, many are expecting demand to increase, but as we have seen around the world, easing lockdowns does not necessarily mean a decrease in COVID-19 cases. In fact, for most countries, it can have the opposite effect. However, if you manage a small or medium enterprise (SME), you might be able to leverage the current situation. If you specialize in a product that still has stable demand like medical supplies, or you are fortunate enough to have enough money saved to get you through a couple more months, you can try to negotiate a long-term shipping deal at a reduced rate. International shippers desperately need a stable business. The fact that 11% of sailings have been canceled in May on the mainline trades indicates how crucial guaranteed business is. June was not much better, with an estimate of 13-14% blank sailings.

The plight of the seafarers has also been underpublicized. The people who staff the ships that transport goods have repeatedly gotten stuck in various ports around the world. Unable to return home, not allowed to enter a different country, and being forced to isolate are some of the main problems these men and women face. Again, those in a position to help seafarers either with guaranteed wages, accommodation, or arranging for travel home, could see these gestures repaid when things start to return to normal.

Get Help with EXIMA

The coronavirus pandemic has been bad, but there are always opportunities in any situation. EXIMA can help SMEs find them and survive these difficult times. Our team of experts can provide all the necessary resources and provide answers to any questions. So make sure to check out our site today and enjoy all the benefits we have to offer!

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