The Department of State issued a travel advisory April 11 advising people against traveling to Shanghai amid ongoing lockdowns. The restrictions, fueled by China’s “no covid policy,” have led to growing concerns about the impact it could have on the global supply chain.
“Do not travel to the PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Jilin province, and Shanghai municipality due to COVID-19-related restrictions, including the risk of parents and children being separated,” the advisory stated.
The agency hopes travelers will “reconsider travel to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19-related restrictions," according to the advisory.
Citing the inconsistent enforcement of lockdown rules, the DOS noted the dangers of “arbitrary enforcement of local laws” and the consulate’s non-emergency staff’s decision to leave to avoid the potential consequences. The agency also highlighted the increased possibility of travelers being separated from their children.
Despite the lockdown efforts, which includes Guangzhou’s decision to host online classes, the sum of COVID-19 infections continue increasing, resulting in an economic growth curb that further strengthens worries about the supply chain., according to a Bloomberg report.
According to Reuters, some of the restrictions will ease in the city to minimize food shortage challenges.
Recent news by CNN and VesselsValue confirms supply chain complications, revealing that the number of ships awaiting check-in at the world’s largest port surpassed 300, nearly five times more than the previous weeks, a recent Globe Banner report reveals.
"Congestion at Shanghai usually worsens at this time of year. However, the recent increase is far higher than both last year and normal seasonal levels," the firm said in a statement on Tuesday, April 5.
Quartz reported on data that was published by FourKites, a Chicago-based company that tracks supply chain data, revealing significant declines, stating that the volume of goods shipped by sea out of Shanghai dropped 26% between March 12 and April 4. The sum of goods leaving the port by truck dropped 19% in the same period.
The Globe Banner report states that the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) has contradicted reports of a struggle, stating that the port hasn’t seen delays since February and that wait times were, on average, around 24 hours.
The organization did admit, however, that COVID testing requirements are causing disturbances in truck drivers’ schedules.
“Containers are piling up at Shanghai, China’s biggest port, as the lockdown in the city has led to a shortage of trucks to clear imports,” the Bloomberg article states.