Logistics flows in Europe and East Asia have been slowed by extreme weather conditions this week, including record low water levels in major freight rivers in Germany and a typhoon storm that closed maritime ports in China. Severe disruptions began on Friday, August 7, when China’s Port of Ningbo suspended operations due to the arrival of Typhoon Dolphin. But since Ningbo is one of the busiest container ports in the world, the move has created ripple effects that will spread broadly through global trade patterns, according to a statement from freight broker C.H. Additionally, working through the broader disruptions caused by increased vessel queues, container backlogs, disrupted carrier schedules, and equipment rebalancing is expected to take several weeks,” C.H. Customers should stay in close contact with their logistics providers, confirm terminal operating status before dispatching cargo, and build additional lead time into transportation plans.