Biden announces multi-industry '90-day sprint' to unsnarl clogged ports before Christmas
President Biden on Wednesday announced agreements with the largest U.S. port, retailers, and freight haulers to fix some kinks in the twisted global supply chain that have fed inflation, caused random shortages of goods, and threatens to disrupt holiday consumer spending. Analysts called it a good first step but said there's only so much a U.S. president can do unsnarl a global logistical mess involving rampant consumer demand running headlong into Asian factory problems, shipping jams and container shortages, and pandemic-related labor issues throughout the supply chain.
The Port of Los Angeles agreed to join its sister port, Long Beach, and start operating 24/7, the White House said, while Walmart, FedEx, UPS, Target, and Home Depot committed to sending more drivers to the ports in the expanded hours to remove shipping containers clogging the ports and get the products to shelves. Labor unions agreed to supply the workers. The White House described the effort as a "90-day sprint" to clear a path for cargo.
"Today's announcement has the potential to be a game changer," Biden said. "I say potential because all of these goods won't move by themselves. For the positive impact to be felt all across the country, and by all of you at home, we need major retailers who order the goods and the freight movers who take the goods from ships to factories and to stores to step up as well."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The global supply chain has been stressed throughout the pandemic, exposing weak links in the U.S., including outdated ports that operate much fewer hours than those in Europe and Asia. The upgrades Biden has been working to implement for months won't help get toys on shelves before Christmas.
"This is a good first step, although it is quite astonishing, and a measure of how severe this is, that it apparently takes the personal involvement of the president of the United States to get this obvious measure implemented," Bjorn Vang Jensen, vice president of global supply chain at Denmark's Sea-Intelligence ApS, tells The Wall Street Journal.
"The bottom line is that there are challenges — because of the demand, because of the systemic issues — that affect the supply chain," Federal Maritime Commission chairman Dan Maffei tells Politico. "They are not going to cancel Christmas but are maybe going to make it so that you can't get the exact toy you want for your kids."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Why has the Taliban banned pictures of living things?
Under The Radar 'Virtue' ministry says banned images are contrary to sharia law
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The 6 analog and digital tools that will make planning your next vacation a breeze
The Week Recommends These digital and paper products make trip organizing a breeze
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
A Viking Age skeleton discovery could shed light on ancient DNA
In the Spotlight The 50 skeletons were 'exceptionally well-preserved'
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
TD Bank accepts $3B fine over money laundering
Speed Read The US retail bank pleaded guilty to multiple criminal charges
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ports reopen after dockworkers halt strike
Speed Read The 36 ports that closed this week, from Maine to Texas, will start reopening today
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The pros and cons of globalization
Pros and Cons Globalization can promote economic prosperity but also be exploitative
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The pros and cons of labor unions
Pros and Cons Joining a labor union can have positives — and negatives
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The rise and fall of Tupperware
Under The Radar The byword for food storage has filed for bankruptcy – was it a victim of its own success?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Boar's Head plant closure leaves another small town looking for answers
The Explainer The Jarratt, Virginia, Boar's Head plant has been shuttered indefinitely after a listeria outbreak
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The rise of the world's first trillionaire
in depth When will it happen, and who will it be?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The government's growing concern over a potential US Steel takeover
In the Spotlight Japan's largest steelmaker, Nippon Steel, is attempting to buy the company
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published