The world’s biggest container port, Ningbo-Zhoushan on the East China Sea, is reporting significant disruptions from a Covid-19 outbreak.
Although zero-tolerance efficiencies remain in place - such as green-lane access ways for road freight in and out of the port, as well as secure management structures - the port immediately south of Shanghai is reportedly suffering heavy throughput challenges.
Reports of a rise in infections were first reported last Thursday, days ahead of the National Conference (NC) of the Chinese Communist Party.
It was hoped that President Xi Jinping would use the party’s 20th NC to chart a course for China’s re-emergence from the ravages of the pandemic, possibly preparing the scene for less severe measures.
Xi though reaffirmed China’s commitment to curbing Covid by any means necessary.
The quick-spreading outbreak and the resulting disruption at the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan now almost seems to have put paid to any hopes that China’s economic re-emergence is on the cards.
It’s a setback for emerging economies that rely on Chinese economic stimuli.
Last week’s outbreak rapidly spread to an area called Daxie before also rippling through Beilun.
Initial post-conference outlooks for China indicate that Xi’s government is not going to veer off course for the sake of sparking the Asian giant’s flagging economy.
Chances are China will pursue strict zero-tolerance measures against Covid, resulting in a continuation of supply-chain disruptions.
