China's tightening COVID controls add to global logistics woes

Port congestion, high airfreight costs weigh on suppliers, with no end in sight

20211223 port and PCR test image

China has been testing crew members before they dock at Chinese ports and imposing 14-day quarantines on all onboard even if only one person is infected with COVID, according to shipping companies. (Source photo by Reuters)

CHENG TING-FANG and LAULY LI, Nikkei staff writers

TAIPEI -- China's strict "zero COVID" policy is heaping pressure on the country's ports, further disrupting global logistics and weighing on already battered supply chains.

Among other measures, China has been requiring crew members of cargo ships to be tested before docking, and if even one suspected case is found, everyone on board must quarantine for at least 14 days, according to shipping companies and others familiar with the measures.

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