FMA participated in a meeting on March 4, hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to discuss planning for COVID-19 disruptions to the Canadian economy. FMA has also been researching impacts more specifically on supply chains and logistics. There are reports of container sailings being blanked, airline routes being suspended, and recent declines in air cargo volumes. There are also reports of container shortages beginning to occur in Europe and North America.
FMA will monitor the situation on a continuing basis and will keep the membership informed of developments. In this first COVID-19 bulletin, we will provide links to sources of basic information from both the Canadian government and from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. FMA maintains a membership in the Chamber of Commerce and will be collaborating with them in exchanging information. The Chamber will be issuing information recommending company actions should there be a significant spread of the virus in Canada, which we will forward to FMA members.
In addition, as the Canadian member of the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF), FMA will be in regular communication with the GSF secretariat on this issue.
In today’s news, the CN President is commenting on import shortages that retailers are beginning to see and there is also a report on the emerging shortage of containers in Europe and North America. The links below will take you to these various items.
It would be appreciated if FMA members could keep us informed of impacts on your respective operations, particularly any supply chain disruptions. This will be helpful in our continuing communications with the government and with the Chamber of Commerce. As always, all individual company information will be kept confidential.
Canadian Government COVID-19
Canadian Chamber of Commerce COVID-19
Media Report – Container Shortages
Media Report CN CEO Comments on Shortages
