Since 2020, the shipping cost has affected international trading significantly. In some cases, the shipping cost matched the machine itself. Especially for sheet cutting machines with a large cutting area, which requires a flat rack container for the shipment.
Such shipping costs spike is a result of many factors, including the supply chain disruption resulting from port unloading power shortage due to the epidemic. Containers shipping from China were stuck at the ports in the EU and NA; the Suez canal accident resulted in the shipping power shortage for a month; the occasional lockdown due to the outbreak here and there.
In Sep and Oct 2021, we experienced a short period in which the shipping price is being reasonable. But as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and new year coming. The increasing demand leads to another shipping cost rising. In addition to this, the spring festival by the end of 2022 Jan will result in another shipping power shortage. All Chines suppliers would want to deliver their stock out. And workers would like to go home and reunion with their families.
In summary, in Nov and Dec 2021, Jan 2022, the shipping price will continue rising due to the high demand. But at the beginning of Feb 2022, after the spring festival, the shipping price can be forecast to drop a bit. It will be the optimal timing to get your machines delivered. The earlier you get the machine produced, the sooner you can order a space on the ship. Once the spring festival is over, you can get your machine and put that into use at once.
