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Showing posts with the label supply chain

Wallet Woe Warning: The Panama Canal Crisis and Your Shopping List

Wall Street Journal MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) - Hold onto your wallets, because the Panama Canal, responsible for a staggering 55% of all products coming to America from Asia, is experiencing historic supply chain bottlenecks according to a new Wall Street Journal special report . This slowdown could send shockwaves through your everyday life, from gasoline prices to the cherished traditions of Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Panama Canal's Critical Role The Panama Canal has been a linchpin of international commerce since it opened in 1914. The shortcut drastically saves vessels  travel distances, cost and time around the southern tip of South America, which ultimately saves you money. The Water Crisis Unveiled The Panama Canal relies on a complex system of locks and reservoirs to manage the water levels necessary for its operation. However, climate change, deforestation, and increasing demand for freshwater have led to a historic decline in water levels, leading to a significant su

Drought Stalls Mississippi River Cargo

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) -  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says  dangerously low water levels  temporarily halted Mississippi River traffic in both the Memphis and Stack Island areas, stalling more than 2,000 barges along the basin that carries 92% of the nation’s agricultural exports. Mariners stuck out on the water posted on social media, including one Facebook post from "Jamie" that says, "Day two of waiting for the Dredge Hurley to open us a channel up at stack island." The cargo stalled on the water includes agricultural products like corn and wheat, fertilizers, coal, petroleum and metals like aluminum. As drought conditions caused by a lack of rainfall  worsen , manufacturers are paying extra dollars to find other ways to move the products, which will ultimately  impact the price and flow  of various consumer goods, including appliances, automobiles, groceries and restaurants, according to Bloomberg News. The Corps has been   dredging   the Mississippi River