Disruption to global shipping investigated by International Trade Committee

The International Trade Committee will investigate rises in the cost of international shipping today.

Recent months have seen concerns over steep spikes in container prices, with reports of prices for some containers more than quadrupling during the pandemic. 

MPs are likely to use the session with experts and leaders in shipping and retail to explore the impact of coronavirus on supply chains, the issues facing UK ports, and the impact on importers, exporters and consumers. 

The Committee is also likely to examine the obstruction of the Suez Canal in March by the Ever Given container ship, and the event’s implications for supply chains and the wider industry. 

 The session forms part of the Committee’s inquiry into UK trade negotiations.