Echoes of Pandemic as Freight Woes Lift Consumer Prices

Attacks on ships and other global freight issues are adding to costs for Australian businesses, as an expert warns the logjams will drive consumer prices higher. Freight and Trade Alliance director Paul Zali said some in the industry were referring to the latest supply chain woes as a “baby COVID” in reference to the surge in freight costs during the pandemic. “It is increasing costs, and that will flow on to consumers,” he told Sky News on July 11. “From confectionery, to luxury items, through to medical goods, you name it, it’s all going to be caught up in them.” Attacks by Houthi militants on ships in the Red Sea have led to delays as vessels are forced to take the longer route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope to get to Asian trans-shipment ports, such as Singapore....