We are at a critical point in the global response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
pandemic. The following is an overview of the maritime transport situation and an
assessment of the measures and restrictions taken into EU and some of the main coffee
exporting countries as a response strategic plan aimed at slowing the spread of the disease.
Further updates on interkom.it.
Due to the unpredictable development with regards to upcoming measures concerning
COVID-19 and the scarcity of official data resources, we disclaim all liability in respect of the
information contained in this document, that is provided for informational purposes only.
Outbreak situation of COVID-19
On 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was alerted to a cluster of
cases of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. One week
later, on 7 January 2020, Chinese authorities confirmed that they had identified a novel
(new) coronavirus as the cause of the pneumonia. The proposed interim name of the virus
was 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) later changed to Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the disease it causes was named as
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
As of today, the outbreak situation of COVID-19 is the following one (Last updated:
26-mar-2020 18:00 CET. Source: experience.arcgis.com):
● Total confirmed cases: 465.915 (whose Italy: 74.386)
● Total confirmed deaths: 21.031
● Total number of countries, areas or territories with cases: 199
Seaports and equipment availability
Maritime ports worldwide are currently operational due their high strategic value in ensure a
systemic outbound and inbound flow of goods, with governments implementing hygienic
rules and social distancing to protect the safety and health of workers. These measures
have considerably decreased their functioning capacity, causing delays due to the
restrictions and limitations to their activity.
The failure to re-open Chinese manufacturing facilities following the Chinese New Year
closures created a massive shortfall in Chinese exports and a subsequent drop in container
demand. Imports still took place, but containers were not unloaded and remained full at the
ports: no empty boxes returned back to the lines. As a result, a substantial number of empty
containers were building-up in places such as Asia and North America. This led container
carriers to cancel numerous sailings, causing to a raft of blank sailings. However, the
positive news from China may prospect that this situation will soon overcome, while shipping
lines are repositioning containers from other areas to ensure availability.
European Union
The European Council agreed on March 17 to close its borders within the Schengen area
and between the EU and the rest of the world to temporarily restrict non-essential travel.
The transport of goods and services is authorized, as control measures are pointed to
preserve the continuity of economic activity and the operation of supply chains.
However, local arrangements and specific measures taken by the single governments – like
nationwide lockdowns of non-essential businesses and travel ban – may have a direct impact
on freight capacities, rates, efficiency of processing operations and delivery time.
Measures and restrictions in the main coffee exporting countries
In 2019/20, world coffee production is estimated at 168.86 million bags (-0.8% than 2018/19)
and world coffee consumption is estimated at 169.34 million bags (+0.7% than 2018/19),
following a year of exceptional consumption growth in Europe and North America: a deficit of
0.48 million bags is currently estimated.
It is plausible that COVID-19 represents a considerable downside risk to global coffee
consumption and, on the other hand, may cause a potential increase of prices – especially in
the spot market – as the growing health concerns bring some of the governments into the
main coffee origins to impose nationwide quarantine, curfew and lockdowns, slowing
production in those countries where the green coffee sector is not considered as an
essential activity.
Brazil (2.433 confirmed cases)
Brazil has closed all land borders as of March 19. There are no entry restrictions for visitors
arriving by air or sea, but this may change with minimal warning.
Referring to port operations, the Ministry of Infrastructure classified logistics services as
essential for the country. All major ports, airports and land corridors are open and functioning
normally, amid government guarantees to protect the workers and ensure the continuity of
cargo operations and logistics services during the pandemic.
There are no reports of port congestions or delays in bunker supply and cargo delivery, but a
limited availability of marine containers equipment has been reported.
Colombia (470 cases reported)
The Government of Colombia has closed all international travel in and out of Colombia and
restricted internal domestic travel.
The President of Colombia announced that a mandatory preventive isolation period will take
place from March 25 to April 13. The entire supply chain of agricultural products is within the
exceptions that will apply during the quarantine, including the logistics and transport for all
these activities.
There are no reports of port congestions or delays in bunker supply and cargo delivery.
Central America
Many countries in the area announced mandatory curfews and home-quarantine that
severely limit and delay the operations in many economic sectors of activity.
● The Government of Honduras (52 cases reported) announced the closure of all
borders and a total curfew starting on March 16 until March 29, and could potentially
be extended after this time. This curfew severely limits the movement of the general
population: individuals encountered outside without a legitimate reason, such as a
medical emergency, risk arrest by police. Agricultural, agro-industrial, agro-exporting
and food supply chain businesses are authorized to operate, each implementing
biosecurity measures.
● Effective March 22, a nationwide curfew took effect in Guatemala (24 cases
reported). The curfew is from 4:00 pm to 4:00 am and is scheduled to be in effect
until March 29. Everyone in Guatemala is expected to remain in their homes during
curfew hours. The only exceptions are for police, private security, medical
professionals and ambulances, and certain other essential personnel.
● On March 21, the Government of El Salvador (13 cases reported) launched a
mandatory 30-day home quarantine period for individuals in the country. Some
exceptions to the quarantine include medical and police services, food delivery,
grocery shopping, and banking.
● Beginning March 24, Costa Rica (201 cases reported) had a countrywide vehicle
restriction between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, with only emergency vehicles, press, and
other exceptions allowed on the streets.
● The Government of Nicaragua (2 cases reported) has not imposed any restrictions
nor quarantine policies so far, as a result of the worldwide outbreak.
Viet Nam (148 confirmed cases)
The Vietnamese government is isolating several areas where the confirmed and suspected
COVID-19 cases are located for quarantine purposes.
As of March 22, the Vietnamese government has imposed entry and exit restrictions for
passengers. No limitations reported to cargo delivery.
All major ports, airports and land corridors are open and functioning normally. There are no
reports of port congestions or delays in bunker supply and cargo delivery.
India (649 cases reported)
The Government of India announced a public ‘Janata curfew’ on March 22 from 7:00 am to
9:00 pm until April 15. The focus is on ‘total lock-down’ of the country, meaning the closure of
all activities except essential services, such as hospitals, telecom, pharmacy, provision
stores. The restrictions include: no public transport services including buses, taxis, and
trains; closure of non-essential shops, commercial establishments, factories, offices;
construction suspended; arrivals of domestic flights suspended; instructions to stay at home
and leave only for basic services (to acquire consumables or for health care services) within
the vicinity of their residencies, while strictly following social distancing guidelines.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular letter which directed the closure of all
immigration checkpoints including all Airport, Seaport, Land port, Rail port and Riverport
Immigration Checkpoints. Ships carrying cargo for trade or essential goods and supplies are
exempted from the circular and therefore they will not face an immigration blockade, but the
crew and the vessels nonetheless would have to undergo a COVID-19 screening process
causing delays.
Many of the Port Trust Boards – the Indian port authorities – are giving notice of a ‘Force
Majeure Event’ causing delays for all ‘contracts, deliverables, promises, assurances, events
and occurrences’.
Indonesia (893 cases reported)
Incoming vessels from all other countries will first be inspected by Quarantine officer at
anchorage. Nobody can come on board, no loading activity can be conducted before arrival
inspection by quarantine officer is completed: arrival inspection will take about 2-3 hours by
quarantine officer at outer anchorage, causing possible delays in vessel departure.
All major ports, airports and land corridors are open and functioning normally. There are no
reports of port congestions or delays in bunker supply and cargo delivery.
East Africa
As the COVID-19 spreads to the area, the national health authorities have intensified
prevention measures that have been lauded by donors and the general public. Few cases
have been confirmed so far, but the measures in place are evidence of countries that knows
already the social and economic consequences of disease outbreaks with epidemic potential
– notably from the experiences with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Yellow Fever, Measles and
Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF).
● The Government of Uganda (14 cases reported) has banned the Boda Boda
(motorbike taxis) and Mutatu (minibus taxis) for 14-days, essentially banning public
transport which is used by most of the population to get to work, and limit to three
individuals the numbers of people allowed for private vehicles transport.
No individuals are allowed to enter or depart Uganda by air, land, or water except for
specific cargo vehicles which must follow strict Ministry of Health procedures.
● The last Ebola patient was discharged from a treatment centre in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC, 51 cases reported) on March 3. Since March 10, the
country has recorded 45 cases of COVID-19. A reactive measure forced DRC to
impose a 48-hour lockdown. Effective March 20, DRC has suspended all
international passenger flights until at least April 3. Only cargo flights and boats will
be permitted entry.
● Ethiopia (12 cases reported) Government announced that all land border crossings
will be closed as of March 23, with the exception of incoming essential goods to the
country. Some regional state announced a region-wide state of emergency, a
decision having implications on limit locally the movement of people and social
activities.
● The Government of Kenya (25 cases reported) has instituted an indefinite curfew
beginning on March 27 and in effect daily from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am. All international
flights in and out of Kenya are suspended. The Port of Mombasa, the main one in the
Eastern Africa, has implemented some minimum required measures in respect of
vessel’s calling, berthing and performing operations at the port. The Kenya Ports
Authority (KPA) has assured all that no ship will be locked out of the port due to this
matter, however, they shall put strict surveillance mechanism in place to ensure that
the port is protected. Limited availability of marine containers equipment has been
reported.
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