The significant increase in sea freight rates poses a substantial challenge for Chinese exporters, especially those dealing with low-value materials. Here are some strategies and measures to help maintain business during this period:

1. Optimize Supply Chain Management:

   • Explore Alternative Transport Modes: Consider using air freight, rail transport, or multimodal transport as alternatives to sea freight. While these options may also see cost increases, they can offer advantages in terms of speed and flexibility.
   • Improve Loading Efficiency: Optimize packaging and loading methods to maximize container utilization, reducing the cost per unit by minimizing empty space.
   • Consolidate Orders: Collaborate with other exporters to share transportation costs by consolidating orders, achieving economies of scale and lowering per-order shipping expenses.

2. Price Adjustment and Contract Negotiation:

   • Reasonable Price Adjustment: Adjust product prices in line with the increased transportation costs, ensuring that the price changes remain acceptable to customers.
   • Long-term Contracts: Sign long-term contracts with shipping companies or freight forwarders to lock in lower transportation rates and mitigate the risks of short-term price fluctuations.

3. Market Expansion and Customer Relationship Management:

   • Expand to New Markets: In addition to Latin America, explore other markets with relatively lower transportation costs to diversify risk.
   • Customer Relationship Management: Maintain close communication with existing customers to explain the reasons behind the increased shipping costs and work together to find solutions, such as sharing some of the transportation costs or adjusting order structures.

4. Enhance Product Value:

   • Improve Product Quality and Added Value: Through technological innovation and product upgrades, enhance the added value of products to better absorb higher shipping costs.
   • Brand Building: Strengthen brand building to increase brand premium, making products more competitive in the market.

By implementing these strategies, Chinese exporters can better navigate the challenges posed by rising sea freight rates and sustain their businesses during this challenging period.