WASHINGTON, DC - For the supply chain, this past year has been host to many challenges and disruptions. However, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel as an announcement from the White House was just released, revealing that President Biden has appointed John D. Porcari as Port Envoy to the Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to address the ongoing hurdles. Following the announcement, the National Retail Federation (NRF) released a statement in support of the decision.
“Retailers have faced a number of unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, and the supply chain disruptions that continue to evolve pose a threat to many American businesses,” stated Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French. “As consumer demand increases, the supply chain challenges and the costs associated with them remain significant.”
In June of 2021, the NRF sent a letter to President Biden outlining the challenges that are being faced by the supply chain and retailers, according to a press release. The letter also featured potential solutions to combat not only hurdles created throughout the pandemic, but future issues as well.
“Imports at retail container ports have marked record highs recently as consumer demand continues to stretch supply chains and retailers shift to the peak shipping season for winter holiday merchandise,” continued French. “The bottlenecks and congestion we are seeing at our ports highlight the need for an improved and sophisticated supply chain that can handle these issues.”
The Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force was established in June to address the issues that emerged in several sectors, including retail. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leads the Task Force’s focus on ports and trucking issues while Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spotlights on food and agriculture. The new Envoy Porcari will work closely with Secretary Buttigieg to tackle the challenge of congestion at U.S. ports.
“NRF is encouraged by the Biden administration’s action on this critical issue. We look forward to working with Envoy Porcari, Secretary Buttigieg, and the full Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to mitigate these challenges, particularly in advance of the upcoming holiday season, so that retailers can ensure consumers can access the products they want and need in a timely manner,” French added.
How will Envoy Porcari’s work help ease challenges for both the retail and fresh produce sectors? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the latest answers.
