Increase in maritime transport prices.

The health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed prices up in transport modes during 2020 and continues its upward progression so far in 2021. This increase has been more pronounced in maritime transport.

The restrictions decreed to control the spread of the virus, especially in the second quarter of 2020 and at the end of the year, have substantially affected prices. All these restrictions have caused a lack of equipment, a cut in services, and a lack of space.

In the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), a benchmark in container traffic, you can see this price increase that we commented on.

For its part, the World Container Index de Drewry, which collects the average value of freight on the main routes to and from the United States and Europe, has grown by close to 20% in the first days of 2021.

Despite the news of these increases affecting our candy sticks and automotive products, we at SCT-STRAW are working to ensure that the equipment has the least amount of impact possible, and we hope that when the Chinese New Year ends, there will be a slight reduction in transportation prices.