The retail trade group warns that these problems have added “days and weeks” to supply chains, led to inventory shortages and added significant transportation and warehousing costs.
The NRF warned that these problems threaten the group’s recent forecast for retail sales and the broader economy to boom this year.
“We need strong leadership from the administration to galvanize attention to the current situation as well as work to resolve long-standing issues that limit safe and efficient port operations,” Shay wrote.
The NRF said a recent survey of member companies found that 97% of retailers indicated they have been impacted by port and shipping delays. More than two-thirds said they had to add two to three weeks to their supply chains because of the congestion issues.
The retail industry said the Biden administration’s ongoing review of supply chains must include the current state of ports and freight movement.
“As trade continues to grow, we need to make sure we have truly 21st century ports and freight movements,” Shay wrote. “This certainly is central to the administration’s Build Back Better approach.”
