Lack of material and prices

Interesting comments here with some genuine insights into supply shortages and some 'fake news' based political opinions about Brexit.

All I can add is that my daughter, who works for a large Multinational company and lives and is based in Madrid says they have just the same long delays on delivery times for supply chain issues from both within the EU and the wider markets. One of her major problem areas are supplies from both North and South America (both hit hard by Covid issues) and from Italy and Germany (again both Covid related). The container problem is affecting both their imports and exports as there are currently 4 jobs chasing 5 containers in Europe and in Asia 7.5 jobs chasing 5 containers. In the US the job/container ratio is 6.3 for every 5 containers.

Martin

If I had the time I would try to find out what happened economically in 1919 and 1920. I know that the world went into a very severe recession during the period (possibly worse than ten years later). It may be relevant.

The world had just come out of a war, there was a pandemic and major political unrest. Because of that the commodity markets were in a mess. I believe the highest gain in value of any commodity, ever, was rice on the Tokyo market. The price crashed a few days later.

I don't have the time, the workshop calls. I must use up all my metal and then I can buy more when the prices cash.

JA

Well, the British People have Spoken. We voted for a border and now we've got one! Bit late now to realise borders have disadvantages too.

Don't blame the underlings who operate border controls. They're paid by the government to implement government policy. Staff don't decide rules, they do as they are told. Waste of time blasting mere employees on the internet! Instead, lobby your MP: he's your voice in parliament and is there to influence the government. Call your elected representative to account if you think the border system isn't what was promised. Border rules can only be changed by the government, and if they get it badly wrong, consider voting differently at the next election.

Dave

I started watching this the other day but got bored part way in! Let me know how it ends.

Dave,

Border rules are changed by trade deal agreements between two or more independent governments not just one. As demonstrated by the Northern Ireland issue.

This not a UK issue, the whole world is in the same situation.

As will always happen at times like this, companies are stock piling, which is making things worse.

Add in the lack of skilled and willing labour, this is going to take a long time to sort out!

There will, inevitably, be a price we all pay for this mess.

Jim