China’s COVID-19 Measures and How They Impact Port Activity

With China locking down the port city of Shenzhen on Sunday in hopes of reducing a COVID-19 spread, Seko Logistics warned clients that the measure will impact the delivery of products from that region.

Seko’s COVID-19 advisory note on Sunday explained that because of the weeklong lockdown in Shenzhen, “no cargo will be able to load in Yantian … and vessels most likely will omit the port.”

But on Monday afternoon, Seko issued a corrected advisory. “We have been advised that Yantian port terminals are operating and loading cargo,”.

Trucking restrictions for vehicles traveling in and out of Shenzhen remain in effect and could slow the supply chain, since no cargo from outside the restricted area can enter.

China’s “zero-COVID” strategy was previously used in Yantian in 2021, when it was closed for a month between May and June. The move created havoc on the supply chain, and the clog took months to dissolve.

As for shipping alternatives, getting products on a plane out of Yantian may not be feasible.

Other companies also are issuing advisories for their clients.

International logistics services provider Orient Star Group informed its customers that some container depots “are closed, (which) may affect empty pickup.”

Orient Star Group also listed the road restrictions that could inhibit the movement of any boxes, echoing the warning by Seko Logistics on future shipments, noting, “We believe some shipments planned in coming weeks will be affected.”