SEATTLE, Wash. (AP) — Farm exporters in Washington have been left with stockpiles of product as the pandemic has created a shortage of cargo containers.
The Seattle Times reports Americans’ spending with online retailers has caused a surge of imports from Asia.
Shipping companies are now quickly sending empty containers back to Asia to accommodate the surge rather than refilling them with American farm products.
Economists expect the shortages to decline as consumers return to normal purchasing patterns.