Commissioners Bentzel and Maffei Urge Ocean Carriers to Carry U.S. Exports

Yesterday, Commissioners Carl W. Bentzel and Daniel B. Maffei sent a letter to World Shipping Council President and CEO John Butler, expressing concern about reports that ocean carriers are refusing the carriage of U.S. exports. The Commissioners noted that U.S. exporters should not bear the entire burden of volume fluctuations and surges in this unusual year for the industry, and emphasized that “it is imperative that we strive for a balanced trade to keep our supply chain fully effective and efficient while maintaining vital export opportunities for the U.S. agriculture and manufacturing bases.”