/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What are the main exports and imports of the Dominican Republic?

What are the main exports and imports of the Dominican Republic?
What are the main exports and imports of the Dominican Republic?

The main export of the Dominican Republic

1. Cocoa Beans

The country produces two types of cocoa beans: Hispaniola and Sanchez. Hispaniola accounts for only 4 percent of the country's cocoa exports. The remaining 96% is occupied by the Sanchez variety. In recent years, cocoa beans from the country have become as valued as the precious cocoa beans from Ecuador. The coca variety in Ecuador is called Nacional, while the Dominican beans are known as the new Nacional.

The country aims to triple production by 2027. According to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), 40% of cocoa from the Dominican Republic tastes great, which means it has a woody, herbal, caramel flavor that makes it rich and balanced.

The Dominican Republic is the ninth largest exporter of cocoa beans in the world. Although it has always exported this product, in the 1990s the US was its only market. It has now expanded its market and now exports 90 percent of its production, or about 60,000 metric tons of cocoa beans, annually. This is mainly sold to the Japanese and EU markets.

2. Manufactured products

From clothing to exports of optical and technical equipment and medical equipment, the country was able to export more than $5 billion in 2018. The main exports in its manufactured goods shipments are medical and optical equipment. It has grown steadily as the demand for such devices continues to increase.

Their machinery and equipment exports also performed well, generating the third largest gain for the country. The main export partners for these products are the United States, India, Haiti, Canada and Germany.

3. Jewelry

Gold has always been the Dominican Republic's preferred export, a country rich in gold and other precious stones. The country's mineral wealth also enables it to export silver and nickel, not to mention some copper. Found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar is essential to the creation of jewelry, which is why the country is a leading exporter of jewelry.

As demand for gold has grown over the past decade, the country has benefited greatly from the intensive development of the mining industry. They own the largest single gold mine in Latin America at the Pueblo Viejo mine, and despite a drop in gold production in the country, they still have reserves large enough to keep their export partners afloat.

The Dominican Republic also has extremely rich deposits of gypsum, which is why they are among the best in the cement industry.

Main import

1. Oil

DR imports crude oil and refined oil because their economies are largely dependent on manufacturing and mining. Both are oil-intensive activities that require a constant supply of oil to keep the industry going.

Refined oil leads its oil imports, accounting for 10% of the country's total imports. They import oil from countries like Venezuela and Mexico. The country uses about 37,000 barrels of oil per day.

2. Cars

Automobiles are the Dominican Republic's second-largest import, and the U.S. provides the largest share of the Dominican Republic's market for cars. In 2017, the U.S. exported $378 million worth of vehicles to the country. This accounts for almost 50% of the country's car imports.

South Korea is another important player in the export of cars to Latin American countries. That same year, they exported about $150 million worth of cars. Other players with stakes in this market include Japan, which exported $142 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017, such as Germany and Sweden, Canada, Mexico, India, Chile and the United Kingdom.

The U.S. leads in exports of small passenger vehicles, while Mexico leads in exports of heavy construction and agricultural vehicles.

3. Industrial raw materials

Importing raw materials to the Dominican Republic is cheaper than importing finished goods. The laws tend to favor raw materials, which means they impose lower import duties on such products. The country's main raw material import partners include Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, the United States, Argentina, and several countries in the Eastern Pacific and Asia.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

What are Colombia’s main exports and imports?

What are Colombia's main exports and imports?
What are Colombia's main exports and imports?

Colombia's trade revenue accounted for more than 34 percent of the country's GDP in 2017, according to the World Bank, and its international trade has been growing and quadrupling. The country mainly trades with the United States, Germany, Panama, China, Brazil and the Netherlands. They have also signed a number of trade agreements with the United States, MERCOSUR countries, mainly Central America, the Caribbean countries and the European Union, as well as the ANC. In addition, they have signed Pacific alliances with Chile, Mexico and Peru to strengthen trade relations with Asian markets.

Exit

Coal

Coal is one of Colombia's main exports, with 33.834 million tonnes exported in the first five months of 2019, and they remain strong in coal exports. The data showed that they exported less coal in the same period in 2019 than in the same period in 2018.

However, they rebounded in the months after May, with the government reporting $738 million in revenue from coal sales to overseas markets, up 30 percent from $568 million in 2018. Colombian coal prices are expected to remain stable for the rest of the year.

Colombia remains one of the world's leading mining nations, with large reserves of natural minerals, including coal.

Oil

Colombia produces crude oil, with export earnings from this product reaching $11.1 billion. Through December 2018, the country reported an average daily production of 591.985 barrels. Colombia became an oil exporter in the mid-1980s and has not looked back since, as the US is a major importer of Colombian crude.

Colombia's crude oil exports account for 57% of the country's total exports. It exports oil through the state-owned Colombian Petroleum Corporation, also known as Ecopetrol, but the country consumes its gasoline and other fuels locally. Profits from oil exploration in the country used to be split 50 ⁄ 50 between the state and the private sector, but the private sector has invested less in the oil sector due to attacks on oil interests by many insurgents.

Flowers

Colombia is a major exporter of flowers with a wide range of markets. Due to its mild climate, the country's proximity to the equator provides a unique environment for flowers to grow. The country is the second largest exporter of fresh cut flowers in the world, with a 15% global market share. Their large flowers, thick stems, and strong fragrance make them easy to distinguish.

Of the 400 farmers who grow flowers in Colombia, 300 grow flowers for export. The country has 4,000 hectares of land dedicated to the professional production of flowers, with roses occupying the largest share. Interestingly, Colombia is the world's largest exporter of chrysanthemums, not roses, because of stiff competition from countries such as Kenya that grow the fine roses. In addition to roses, Colombia also produces mini carnations, pom-poms, chrysanthemums and six-flowered flowers. The US gets 80% of its roses from Colombia, followed by Russia and the UK.

banana

Colombia was the sixth largest banana exporter in 2019. Bananas worth $859 million were exported in 2018 with the US and Europe as the main markets. This is a 1.4% increase for the same product in 2017. In 2019, banana exports brought in revenues worth $868 million. The country was able to achieve this growth by planting more areas and renewing plantations that have ceased production.

Import

Although Colombia has very strict regulations on importing cars into the country, it is still the main import into the country. Colombian authorities do not allow the import of used cars, so only brand new cars can be imported. The exception is foreign diplomats who move to Colombia, but they must first register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The number of imported cars increased in 2018, with Chevrolet being the most imported and sold brand in the country. About 50,000 of the car were sold throughout the year. French brand Renault came in second with 49,700 units.

Mechanical

Most of the machinery imported into the country is agricultural machinery and computers. The country spent $5.8 billion on machinery and equipment imports. Most of these exports enter the country as corporate imports.

Since the country joined the WTO's Information Technology Agreement in 2012, which requires member states to remove tariffs on most information technology products, Colombia has enjoyed importing some of the latest agricultural, manufacturing and processing plant machinery and equipment, which do have contribute to its development. economy.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 major ports in Peru

5 major ports in Peru
5 major ports in Peru

The Peruvian port system has more than 100 port facilities. These are classified as river, sea and lake ports. Among the major coastal ports, Callao is the most important port for cargo transportation. This is because 70% of cargo handling in Peru takes place at this port.

91% of total exports and 65% of export FOB value are handled by Peruvian ports. Peru borders the Pacific Ocean and has a long west coast. It is not surprising that Peru has numerous ports, as 90% of Peru's exports are shipped by sea.

What are the main ports in Peru?

1. Port of Callao

The Port of Callao is the main port in terms of traffic and storage capacity. Located in Lima, the capital of the central coast, it is 16 meters deep and can carry heavy cargo.

This particular terminal is connected to the industrial area of ​​Lima as well as to the rest of the country. The connection also extends to Jorge Chavez International Airport across the Andes. It is reported that in 2017, container ships berthed at the South Wharf for about 19 hours on average, and at the North Wharf for nearly 23 hours.

2. Shirt port

The port of Paita is the second largest national port in Peru in terms of container traffic, after Callao. Paita, located in Piura in the north of the country, ranks third in terms of total cargo traffic.

Since October 2009, the port has been operated by a Peruvian-Portuguese consortium called Terminales Portuarios Euroandinos SA or TPE. According to reports, by the end of 2016, the operating volume in the port had exceeded 215,000 TEUs.

OSITRAN, Peru's regulator related to investments in public transport infrastructure, said Peru's business was mainly export-oriented. In 2016, nearly 95% of exports were shipped in containers. Among the many export products, there are mainly aquatic biological products such as fish, fish oil and squid, and agricultural and industrial products such as grapes, mangoes, coffee, and bananas.

3. Port of Matalani

The Port of Matarani is located approximately 452 miles south of Callao and serves the southern region of Peru as well as several major cities in Bolivia, namely Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Oruro.

Back in 1999, the port was awarded to Romero's group company Terminal Internacional del Sur SA (TISUR) for a period of 3 years. This is what has led to the multiplication of cargo to and from Bolivia, as well as increased investment in port infrastructure.

4. Port Talara

The Port of Talara is not only state-owned, it is also operated by the national oil company Petróleos del Perú SA (PETROPERU). Refineries process different products such as motor gasoline, solvents, A-1 turbo, diesel 2, LPG, industrial oils and bitumen.

The Port of Talara serves the oil industry in the Piura and Tumbes regions. Most of the rest of the country sells to them. Shipping takes place through their own loading dock. The tankers were shipped to tankers at Chimbote, Supe, Callao, Eten, Salaverry, Pisco, Mollendo and Ilo terminals.

The Port of Talara entrance channel is in the SE-NW direction with a minimum width of 180 m and a water depth of 10 ⁄ 11 m. It can accommodate tankers up to 210 m long with a maximum draft of 10.36 m and a maximum draft of 10.70 m at the buoy.

The port contains a subsea pipeline for loading and unloading crude oil. There are six supporting mooring buoys as the boats always move towards the southern area.

5. Port of Salaverry

The port of Salaverry is actually an artificial port. It's basically a dock that's constantly exposed to surges and swells. The port contains a 700-meter long breakwater and extension. Although this has decreased, small surges and swells within the port operations area and terminals remain to be resolved.

The port serves Truillo and the neighboring states of Ancash, Lambayeque and Cajamarca. It is managed by Empresa Nacional de Puertos SA (ENAPU). The port contains two sturdy quays for handling general cargo and bulk cargo. This also includes the use of mobile shore loaders for copper concentrates.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 major ports in the United Arab Emirates

5 major ports in the United Arab Emirates
5 major ports in the United Arab Emirates

Bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates has become a beacon for development and trade on the Arabian Peninsula. It shares waters in the west and north with Qatar and Iran, respectively. The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven states, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. Located in the northern part of the Strait of Hormuz, the country is a strategic country for sea container transportation and trade.

1. Jebel Ali Port (Dubai)

Jebel Ali is the largest man-made port in the world and the largest container port between Singapore and Rotterdam. The port offers the international shipping industry access to a market of 1.5 billion people, as it is the gateway between the Western Hemisphere and the Far East. As one of the most important and modern ports in the region, the port is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to meet regional and international shipping needs in and around the Arabian Sea.

2. Mina Zayed Port (Abu Dhabi)

The Mina Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi is often just called Zayed Port. It is located at the northeastern end of the city of Abu Dhabi, which is not only the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but also the financial, communication and transportation center of the UAE.

3. Mina Rashid Port (Dubai)

Mina Rashid Port is another man-made port in the Emirate of Dubai, located on the southern coast of the vast Arabian Gulf. The port's location in the heart of the city makes it ideal for passenger operations, although it also handles its fair share of cargo.

The port has received the prestigious ISO-9002 certification as well as the Safety Excellence Certificate from IMS (International Maritime Security). As the only port in the Middle East to receive this recognition and certification, Port Rashid is highly regarded in the global cruise tourism industry. The 2 million-square-meter Mina Rashid Cruise terminal can handle seven of the largest cruise ships simultaneously, each with a capacity of 25,000 passengers. Due to its competence and professionalism, the port has been named the world's leading cruise port in the Middle East at the World Travel Awards for seven consecutive years.

4. Mina Khalid Port (Sharjah)

Also known as Khalid Port, this port is also located in the center of Sharjah. It is the first port in the region to have a container terminal, a free trade terminal and a ro-ro cargo terminal. It pioneered an area that other ports such as Jebel Ali and Zayed Ports followed and expanded upon.

The Port of Mina Khalid has 12 berths for handling general cargo as well as refrigerated, bulk, dry and liquid cargoes. It has two cold storages on the quay side and is also equipped with marine and oil support. The port is undergoing several key construction works that will further modernize its facilities. These include the construction of dhow dock facilities and new berths in the breakwater reclamation area.

5. Khor Fakkhan Port (Sharjah)

The port is also in Sharjah, under the same management as the Mina Khalid port. This is the only natural deep-water harbour in the region, unlike other fully man-made harbours. As one of the main container ports in the United Arab Emirates, this port sees a lot of traffic from the Indian Ocean front. Its location outside the volatile Strait of Hormuz makes this port an obvious choice for large east-west transshipments into the UAE's hinterland.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 major ports in Honduras

5 major ports in Honduras
5 major ports in Honduras

Located in Central America, Honduras is known for its natural resources, from coffee to minerals, and its growing textile industry. It is nestled between El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, with Pacific and Caribbean coastlines to the north and south, respectively.

Honduras has commercial cities, the capital Tegucalpa and San Pedro Sula. Both are industrial and commercial centers that drive the country's economy. But the country's ports may be the biggest reason for the country's economic development. These ports opened up Honduras' trade routes in the Pacific and the Caribbean.

1. Puerto Cortez

Puerto Cortez happens to be the only deep-water port in the whole of Central America. It is also one of the best equipped and largest ports in the region. Originally known as Puerto de Caballos, the port is located in the Caribbean waters of the northern part of the country. Because it has a natural bay, it can handle large ships with a capacity of 10 at a time.

It has a large 4,000-foot docking space and offers 24-hour service, with ships going to Miami seven times a week, New York four times a week, and New Orleans four times a week. Ships from the port travel to the Far East and Europe at least twice a week. The port is a designated safe port for the region, which is why it sees a lot of cargo traffic. That means it can safely ride on the giant ships that cross the Panama Canal.

2. Screen port

This port is also located on the northern coast of the Caribbean Sea. When it officially became the headquarters of the Tela Railway Company in 1914, it became an influential business point. This is a subsidiary of United Fruit Company, which transports bananas from the interior of Honduras to ports for export.

The railway remains intact and still in operation, bringing the banana crop, the region's main export, to the port. It is still called Banana Port because Honduras is one of fifteen countries that provide more than half of the world's banana exports. In 2018, the country exported $522.7 million worth of bananas from the port. Tela also handles coconuts and other agricultural products.

3. Port of Castile

The Port of Castile is actually a small fishing village, but the port facilities are some of the best in the country. They are home to a Honduras naval base and also have a container facility for fresh fruit produced by Dole. It also sits in the middle of African oil palm plantations that have started growing in the region. It will be the main port of call for oil exports

The port also has road access to the country's forestry project and the Aguan Valley Railway, which produces Honduras' famous timber for export.

4. La Ceiba Port

The port of La Ceiba is also located in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, but at the southern end of the coastline. It borders the Gulf of Honduras and is the third largest city in the country. The port developed into a modern port throughout the 19th century, becoming an important shipping port for banana exports. As an agricultural port, it also handles most agricultural products such as citrus fruits, pineapples, coconuts, fish, coffee, meat and wood.

The city hosts its famous carnival every May for the Spanish San Isidro Labrador, attracting more than 500,000 visitors. Ceiba is also considered the entertainment capital of Honduras and the ecotourism capital of Honduras, which means a huge influx of tourists into the city. The port has an excellent cruise terminal that caters for cruise ships that take passengers to various tourist attractions in the country.

5. Port of San Lorenzo

The port is located in the waters of the Pacific Ocean near the Gulf of Fonseca at the southern tip of Honduras. It was built to alleviate the inconvenience of using the old port of Ampara, which had to be dredged to enable ships to moor in the port. It can carry 1.1 million tons of cargo annually. The port of San Lorenzo also serves nearby industrial cities that process products such as rosin, a huge export product for Honduras.

It also handles shipments such as vegetable oils, dairy products and shrimp from local industries and processing plants. The port also has the advantage of being served by the nearby Ampara Airport, which transports goods and products to and from the port.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

How to Import Computer Parts from China

How to Import Computer Parts from China
How to Import Computer Parts from China

If you plan to market your tech business to China, or you want to reduce overhead costs by purchasing parts, you need to understand the reasons for importing electronics from China. Specifically, computer parts require some special care and some import know-how.

In the past few years, China has adjusted some industrial policies and has become an important computer hardware producer in the world. In order to work with Chinese suppliers, it is important to understand these policies. Fortunately, these policies are not difficult to follow. Let's take a look at everything business owners need to know about importing technology from China.

Find Computer Parts Suppliers in China

The process of finding computer parts suppliers in China is not difficult. However, caution should be exercised when contracting with them. You should always do some homework before trusting a computer parts supplier.

First, check online reviews of different suppliers and warehouses in English. If this doesn't lead to any fruitful leads, your next step should be to work with an international law firm that specializes in translation, connecting business owners with Chinese suppliers, and handling Chinese intellectual property law and patents. This will ensure that you find a reputable supplier before you start signing contracts, and your lawyer will also help you translate and negotiate before signing.

If you want to import laptop and desktop parts from China, it is highly recommended that you work with a reputable and reliable freight forwarder, or possibly a law firm that specializes in Chinese trade.

Generic HS Code for Computer Parts

The HS (Harmonized System) code is a 10-digit code used by the United States to classify different export products. You need to be familiar with these codes before importing parts from China.

Regulations and requirements when importing electronic components from China
Some business owners are wary of importing electronics from China due to Chinese and U.S. regulations that have not been ideal for foreign businesses in the past. However, simply knowing how to comply with these regulations can make the process productive.

First, you should always look for suppliers that are 100% compliant with Chinese and US import and manufacturing laws. This can be difficult as many vendors may not invest in certification and compliance in different markets.

FCC certification

Compared to other countries, the U.S. rules on imports from China are relatively simple. The biggest certification you should consider is the FCC certification, which you can easily get for only a few hundred dollars. The FCC regulates any electronic product, including computer parts and Bluetooth devices. Any electronic components and components that emit radio waves that you want to import from China should be FCC certified.

If you are a retailer, in addition to the FCC, you will also need to have your parts and finished products certified by UL. This is not required by law, but voluntary compliance will show your consumers the quality of the products you produce.

Insurance

You also need to consider product liability insurance. Product liability insurance will protect you from possible problems if you import computer parts in bulk from China.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

The role of the Federal Maritime Commission

The role of the Federal Maritime Commission
The role of the Federal Maritime Commission

If you're shipping something overseas, you must be familiar with the role of the Federal Maritime Commission in ocean shipping. This guide will help you understand what an FMC is, understand its history, and determine its role in maritime shipping.

What is FMC?

First, what does FMC stand for? The acronym FMC refers to the Federal Maritime Commission, which was established in 1961 as a regulatory agency for 4 liner shipping groups and U.S. importers and exporters.

Although the FMC acronym was not adopted until August 12, 1961, its origins date back to the First World War. The Kennedy administration worked with Congress to create the Federal Maritime Commission so they could create regulations for maritime activities. shipping company.

The goal is to separate the governing bodies that oversee the U.S. merchant fleet and international shipping companies. The latter is now administered by the FMC and aims to regulate U.S. marine commerce.

The role of FMC in shipping

As you can see, the FMC, the Federal Maritime Commission, plays an important role in ocean shipping. Their mission is to ensure a competitive and reliable international maritime supply system that not only supports the U.S. economy but also protects the public from any deceptive or unfair practices.

Since its inception, FMC has adapted to all changes related to international shipping. They have been working to create a fair and efficient environment for exporters and importers while protecting the American public.

To accomplish this mission, they regulate the activities of Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs), which include ocean freight forwarders and NVOCCs.

Licensing Requirements

The FMC has specific licensing requirements. All OTIs must be licensed before performing any services in the United States. This licensing requirement means that if a company wants to buy or sell ocean freight services — whether to or from the U.S. — they must register with the Federal Maritime Commission.

If the agent is not licensed or registered with the FMC, they cannot use their ocean freight services, or any NVOCC services, in the United States. These unlicensed agents can only act as booking agents or freight forwarders.

Fees and Penalties

The Federal Maritime Commission reserves the right to assess fees and fines imposed by its regulatory agency. These penalties can be assessed if there are irregularities related to fees charged to customers and compensation received by ocean carriers from carriers.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), as the regulator of maritime transport, ensures that the system is fair and competitive, while protecting the public from any unfair practices. They have licensing requirements and regulations that they must follow. Otherwise, they reserve the right to assess fees and fines.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed

 

5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed
5 Main Reasons Your Cargo Is Delayed

This can be very frustrating when your shipment is late. Estimated shipping times should be as precise as possible so that the relevant part knows when delivery is expected and when to schedule pickup. However, things can go wrong and, unfortunately, shipping delays can occur.

The client may end up pushing you to meet the deadline, and you are ultimately responsible for the delay. Even in some cases they may have damaged, faulty or incorrect parts.

To help, we've compiled a checklist of five common reasons your shipment may be delayed.

1. Timetable and Transportation

Most cities have traffic. Between construction works, accidents, detours and roadblocks, people often experience transportation delays due to traffic. To improve this, courier drivers can use route optimization software.

Route optimization software tracks the fastest route, updating it in real time to avoid delays and disruptions.

2. Customs issues

For international shipments, as a freight carrier facing customs, all required documents must be prepared and filled to prevent any issues. Without proper documentation, delays are likely to occur. For example, required documents may have been submitted incorrectly or may be missing.

Also, if the authorities decide to inspect your shipment, the problem can quickly escalate into further problems.

Merchants should have a backup plan in the event of a shipment being held by customs. This may include partnering with a reliable courier service to ensure the security and accuracy of documents.

3. Lack of clarity

A simple but common problem that causes shipping delays is lack of clarity, such as poor handwriting. Using pen and paper in the courier industry is prone to mistakes and accidents.

Shipping labels also play a vital role in delays. If the labels are of poor quality, they can cause problems when couriers read or scan them, and items can get lost.

4. Insufficient technology

Outdated software or outdated hardware creates huge problems for courier companies. This is because legacy software limits opportunities to integrate new technologies and blocks access to features that can reduce shipping delays.

To better track your shipments, it's a smart idea for merchants to invest in the latest hardware and cloud-based software. This provides a more holistic approach across the supply chain, enabling couriers, 3PLs, logistics and transport businesses to stay connected and use real-time data.

5. Lack of equipment

Continuing on to the point, equipment shortages are another big problem that shippers often overlook. Moving goods from warehouses can be challenging and certainly not smooth sailing. This is especially true if you need multimodal transport, including road and rail.

There may also be cases where the container cannot be used. There may be insufficient supplies, or they may only be available in certain areas of town. Of course, such a situation may also lead to delays in delivery.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers

 

Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers
Shipping Solutions for Countertop Manufacturers

With more than 1,500 countertop manufacturers in the U.S., the fragmented nature of the market leaves manufacturers without significant resources or leverage when it comes to shipping. Also, the nature of the product, especially the long size, makes shipping unattractive for many carriers, resulting in surcharges and penalty rates.

Countertop Manufacturer Industry Definition

Countertop manufacturing primarily cuts, shapes and finishes kitchen and bathroom countertops. Countertops are made from a variety of materials including: wood, plastic laminate, stone, faux marble, ceramic and concrete. The industry does not include countertops constructed on site by building contractors.

Key Industry Insights:

  • The market size was over $89 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 2.8% to over $111 billion by 2027.
  • Material innovations, namely various artificial stone and artificial marble products, and the use of recycled materials such as glass are exploding. Unique, architecturally significant countertops are driving higher prices and profits for manufacturers.
  • Innovations in manufacturing technology, especially 3D printing, have simultaneously produced unique one-off products, reducing manufacturing labor, shortening manufacturing time and increasing profits.
  • Growing interest and investment in refurbishment and remodeling is driving the industry's growth above new construction. New construction is expected to remain strong due to the imbalance between U.S. housing starts and households over the past five years.
  • Durable laminate countertops make up the largest portion of installed countertops in the U.S., and demand will be strong even as engineered and natural stone grow in popularity.
  • Concerns about natural radiation (i.e. radon) from natural granite and its high purchase price will hinder the growth of engineered and farmed products.
  • Residential demand will continue to be the primary use market.

Logistics considerations for countertop manufacturing

Shipping costs are serious business for many countertop manufacturers. Smart, growing countertop manufacturers are using experts to help them gain a competitive advantage in shipping.

Shipping countertops presents some unique challenges:

  • Size - Most countertops are long and narrow. Small package shippers such as UPS and Fedex limit the total size of packages they will handle and charge exorbitant surcharges before rejecting package sizes. For the past few years, less-than-truckload (less-than-truckload) carriers have been using surcharges to block shipments over 8 feet.
  • Packaging - Packaging countertops to withstand shipping environments require proper design and judicious use of packaging materials
  • Weight/Density - Depending on the material, the countertop may or may not be heavy. But because of their size, countertops rarely fit in the cargo configuration most carriers need.
  • The destination-home delivery trend is driving the need for more and more countertop deliveries directly to the installation site. For trucking companies, these mostly "one-off" residential deliveries are less efficient than comprehensive deliveries to stores or warehouses.
  • Damaged - Countertops, especially when packaged improperly, are prone to damage, resulting in unhappy customers, delays and additional costs.
/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Shipping

The busiest seaport in the world

The busiest seaport in the world
The busiest seaport in the world

The busiest seaport in the world

A common question we see in the shipping world is "What is the busiest seaport in the world?" The size and scope of the shipping industry is difficult to understand, which is why working with experts can be so helpful for businesses. At TJ chinafreight, we work with various manufacturing and other companies to meet their transportation and logistics needs.

Currently, the busiest seaport in the world is Shanghai Port (according to Marine Insight). The name is based on the daily container flow through the port, meaning the biggest ports are not always the busiest. The port is located in the Yangtze River and the East China Sea with convenient transportation and consists of a deep sea port and an inland river port. The total area is 1,397.5 square miles! Shanghai beat Singapore to become the world's busiest port with 37.1 million TEUs of cargo in 2019 and is considered the world's fastest-growing economy. About 2,000 container ships depart from Shanghai Port every month.

Learn about the harbour

A seaport is the place of origin, transshipment or arrival of seaborne cargo. Simply put, maritime transport is the movement of goods, raw materials and commodities across the world's oceans and waterways. More than 90% of the world's goods are transported by sea. Without shipping, the world economy would come to a screeching halt—without electronics, manufacturers without raw materials, and store shelves half empty.

Ships are one of the oldest forms of transportation. Today, ships still sail through the former sea trade routes. Interested in learning more? TJ chinafreight would love to hear from you!