West coast importers breathed a sigh of relief early this week as the cargo began to flow through the Port of Oakland after a weeklong blockade by independent truckers came to an end. Officials expect the unloading backlog to take several weeks to clear while protests continue in a newly designated “free speech zone,” which allows views to be expressed without blocking traffic. Although the supply chain as a whole has seen marked input from the early days of the pandemic, any disruption, such as this port shutdown, is a stark reminder of the fragility of the system as a whole.
One estimate by port officials put a $56.6 billion price tag on economic losses from these demonstrations, with businesses across the country as well as the local government taking a hit.
The movement of Mexican asparagus crossing through Arizona, California, and Texas is expected to remain about the same. Supplies remain seasonally light, with most trading being conducted between shippers and few spot market sales, though trading is active at higher prices. Peruvian imports of asparagus through South Florida ports of entry are expected to remain about the same. Supplies moderate on standard and small sizes, remaining light on others.
Trading is moderate, with prices higher to much higher depending on size. Demand is moderate with little spot market trading. Cooler weather in Peru is causing lower production levels, with the transition to southern growing areas expected within the next 4 weeks. Chain buyers are reportedly cautious with orders due to inflation, but prices are expected to remain firm until after Labor Day when more products will be available from competing growing areas.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov