The continuing high truck rates and the lack of available drivers in the U.S., along with winter weather, consumer stockpiling, and the spike in virus rates caused by the Omicron variant, are all being cited as contributing factors in empty store shelves being seen across the country.
In addition, port backlogs are at an all-time high, with a record 105 ships reported to be awaiting berthing spots for unloading at Southern California ports and a total of 146 ships waiting outside all major U.S ports.
Long-term infrastructure plans for deepening additional ports and shipping lanes to better accommodate today’s larger container ships will do little to alleviate the immediate problem.
Mexican blueberry crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas movement expected to increase.
Trading was active to very active at higher prices, due to limited competition from Chilean fruit.
Quality and condition of Mexican berries is reported as variable.
Movement of Chilean imports of blueberries via boat through both various East Coast and West Coast ports of entry is expected to increase as harvesting increases in Chile, with current supplies in too few hands to establish a market for both coasts.
The F.O.B. price report is not yet being issued, well past the usual start date for this report.
Overall fewer Chilean blueberries are making their way to U.S. markets than usual.
There are reports that shipments are being delayed by labor shortages in Chile and held up in inspections, as well as diverted to other countries.
Movement of Peruvian imports of blueberries arriving through both the Philadelphia and New York City areas and through Southern California ports via boat is expected to decrease as the season nears its end.
Trading was active for light supplies, with prices unchanged. Quality is reported as generally good for this late in the season.
Cucumber movement from Mexico crossings through Nogales, Arizona is expected to increase. Trading was fairly active at much higher prices.
Supplies remain fairly heavy with moderate demand as buyers continue purchase only what is needed to fill orders.
Shippers remain optimistic that demand will improve next week, as most present shipments are from prior bookings or previous commitments at lower prices.
Movement of Mexican cucumber crossings through Texas is expected to increase slightly.
Trading was moderate early and active later with demand improving to moderate.
Prices were much higher, though quality is reported as variable.
Movement of cucumbers via boat out of Central America into South Florida ports expected to increase slightly but remain light and sporadic as movement is hampered by vessel and container delays.
Trading was slow and no F.O.B. price report is currently being issued as supplies out of Honduras are insufficient to quote, though quality is reported as generally good.
Green bell peppers from Mexico crossing through Nogales, Arizona movement expected to increase.
Trading was very active at much higher prices. Demand moderate overall but better on green bell peppers compared to other colors due to lower volumes.
Movement and prices continue to be impacted by the truck shortage and high freight rates, with most present shipments from prior bookings or previous commitments.
Movement of Mexico crossings through Texas is expected about the same. Trading was moderate with prices much lower though demand remains fairly good. Quality reported as variable.
Most shipments are for colored bell peppers. Movement of green bell peppers out of Central and South Florida is about the same. Trading was very active at much higher prices. Demand was very good though available trucks remain hard to find.
Strawberry movement out of Central Florida is expected to increase
lightly.
Trading and demand exceed available supplies, though warmer temperatures over the weekend have increased supplies by about 25%. Cooler temperatures midweek are expected to decrease supplies again by the weekend. Prices slightly higher as a result.
Mexico strawberry crossings through Texas movement is expected to increase. Trading was active at higher prices, though quality is reported as variable. Most present shipments are from prior bookings or previous commitments. Mexico strawberry crossings through the Otay Mesa movement expected to increase.
Trading active, though available supplies are in too few hands to establish a market and quality and condition are reported as variable.
Strawberries from Oxnard District California movement is expected to increase.
Trading was active at higher prices.
Quality and condition are variable, and some berries are being diverted to processing or freezers.
Demand for all west coast berries eased slightly due to increasing volumes from improved weather. Berry prices have been hit especially hard by inflation, and these rising prices along with cold winter weather across much of the country could curb consumption numbers.
Shippers are looking ahead to the Valentine’s Day holiday, which traditionally brings high demand for strawberries.
Tomato movement out of Central and South Florida is expected to increase in South Florida. Trading active on 5x6 size and fairly active on others. Prices were higher. Supplies lighter on larger sizes leading to stronger demand for those sizes and fairly light demand on smaller sizes.
Movement of Mexico tomato crossings through Texas expected to increase slightly. Trading was fairly active, with prices on 5x5s generally unchanged and others slightly lower. Quality reported as generally good.
Movement of Mexican tomatoes crossing through Nogales Arizona is expected to increase seasonally.
Trading was moderate with prices on 4x4s-4x5s much lower, 5x5s lower, and 5x6s generally unchanged.
Supplies heavy on larger sizes and fairly light on smaller tomatoes.
Most present shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments, though high truck rates and limited availability continue to affect movement and F.O.B. prices. ■