Container shortage in Russia causes rise in prices for shipping from China

The cost of sea freight from China to the port of Vladivostok in August more than doubled compared to May — to $4,000-4,500, and by rail — by 31%, to $7,500-8,000, Report informs referring to Izvestia.

This is due to a shortage of empty containers that accumulate in the Russian Federation and sit idle for weeks, waiting to be loaded back.

The container shortage arose due to an imbalance in the flow of imported and exported goods between the Russian Federation and China, as well as due to the difficult situation with shipping in the Red Sea.

The publication also notes the reorientation of goods from sea vessels to rail transport, which causes queues at border crossings from China.

According to Shuttle Logistic, from a number of railway stations, shipments are delayed by almost three weeks due to accumulated containers.