jordan pulse -
The head of the Jordanian Logistics Union, Nabil Al-Khatib, said on Wednesday that setting an indicative price for container shipping fees at the estimated prices that were in effect before October 7, 2023, has a positive impact and repercussions on the stock of goods as the month of Ramadan approaches.
Al-Khatib added in a statement to Al-Mamlaka that setting a price ceiling for shipping reduces customs duties on incoming goods, as shipping fees were added to the value of the goods and customs were added on their basis, and now the old prices have been taken and not the high shipping prices currently in effect.
Al-Khatib said that there is no need to store goods and rush for them given their availability, stressing that all goods are available in the markets until this moment, as we have not found a shortage of basic goods.
He stressed that restricting the large export of basic materials and preventing their export will have positive results on stocks and that there will be no shortage of these basic materials in the market.
He expected a breakthrough in the maritime shipping issue, speaking of indicators for this, such as the expected arrival of several ships next February, in addition to the existence of alternative routes for those who do not wish to enter Bab al-Mandab.
He said that international shipping companies announced sailing schedules, including the port of Aqaba, which is considered one of the main ports, so we expect that February will be the beginning of its improvement.
Regarding the Houthis not attacking ships that are not linked to Israel, Al-Khatib said: “This is what we are witnessing on the ground.”
He pointed out that the companies that boycotted traffic on the Bab al-Mandab Road are the ones carrying goods to the “Zionist entity” coming from the Far East and carrying goods to Israeli ports, but these cannot pass.
“The ship that does not carry Israeli goods, is not owned by Israeli owners, and does not carry goods for Israel passes through Bab al-Mandab,” according to Al-Khatib.
He continued: “The past two days passed with two ships, and all of these were coming from the Far East and entered the port of Aqaba, unloaded the goods, and left.”
Regarding the ability to transport goods through Jebel Ali Port to Jordan via small ships or subsidiary supply ships, Al-Khatib confirmed that this ability is now available.
Regarding current shipping prices, Al-Khatib said: “Sea freight prices decreased significantly over the past week, as shipping fees fell approximately by 20-25% from what they rose at the beginning of the crisis.”