A most unusual economy.This morning -- or was it yesterday -- there was a report that US retail sales dropped in November.I can't reconcile that report and the headlines below. Later: see first comment. A reader explained how this could all be reconciled. I feel like an idiot. LOL. Not the first time. But that's the purpose of the blog; to keep learning.
Flow of US imports continues to surge, now at twice the rate of exports, December 16, 2020.
Trade with China roars back as Americans are stuck at home, NY Times, December 14, 2020.
Boxed out: China's exports pinched by global run on shipping containers, December 14, 2020.
Port of Long Beach broke another cargo record in November, the fourth straight month is has done so, December 11, 2020.
Near gridlock at San Pedro Bay port complex amid best month in 114 years for Port of Los Angeles, December 10, 2020.
China's export snag: containers are running short, December 10, 2020.
Port Tracker report highlights another monthly record and a projected annual 2020 increase, December 9, 2020.
China to ease shortage of containers, December 7, 2020.
Trucking, teamsters, and the San Pedro Harbor, December 4, 2020.
Container shortages the biggest disrupter: where are all the empty boxes? December 1, 2020.
Global container shortage drives spike in shipping rates, but brings windfall for Chinese manufacturers, October 14, 2020.
There aren't enough containers to keep world trade flowing, March 18, 2020.
there's a lot of intermediaries in between the ports and retail sales...and what was sold in November was probably imported in August or September...& what's arriving on the coast now was probably ordered back then, before the Covid surge crapped out the economy again...with imports as strong as they are, it's a good bet that there's inventory buildups at that "Inland Empire" where LA and Long Beach cargoes go to wait for truckers, and at wholesalers and distributors around the country...hard to say though, December's retail and wholesale inventory data won't be reported for another two months..
ReplyDeleteWow, you are so correct. I feel like an idiot. LOL. Yes, I wasn't thinking -- it's not as if this stuff was ordered a couple of days ago and now arriving. You are absolutely correct.
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