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Global Supply Chain
Using this link for the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) https://unctadstat.unctad.org/insights, discuss what you see concerning changes in international trade and why this may be happening. Look around the UNCTAD site and discuss changes and interesting facts concerning transportation and individual country data that are interesting. If you have trouble with the link, cut and paste it into a browser or if the error message comes up click on Data Insights and International Trade. Homework 2: 4 pages with at least 2 references Answer the following questions:
Describe volumetric charging
Describe the fixed costs, variable costs, and main advantage of the five modes of transportation (road, rail, air, water, pipeline).
Research UNTCTAD’s Annual Review of Maritime Transport and determine amount of world maritime trade by mode.
Describe factory gate pricing
The map at the start of the book illustrates the world’s international shipping routes. How might the progression of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) alter those routes.
Due to the standardization of shipping containers, some companies such as Cosco and Maersk operate port strings. Please describe the advantage provided in these strings.
Read the article titled Intermodal Transport Security: Need for an Integrated Approach and identify the specific security gaps in each transportation mode.
Full Answer Section
Disruptions in supply chains due to pandemics or geopolitical events.
2. Transportation and Country Data:
Trade by Mode of Transport:You can explore data on the volume of trade transported by different modes (road, rail, air, water, pipeline). This can reveal which modes are dominant for specific regions or countries.
Interesting Country Data: UNCTADstat allows you to analyze individual country data. You might find interesting facts like:
A country's main trading partners.
The types of goods a country imports or exports the most.
The impact of trade agreements on a country's trade patterns.
3. Volumetric Charging:
Volumetric charging is a freight pricing method based on the volume of cargo occupied rather than just its weight. This is because some lightweight items take up a significant amount of space, impacting transportation costs.
4. Fixed vs. Variable Costs in Transportation:
Fixed Costs: These are expenses that don't vary with the amount of cargo transported, such as:
Variable Costs: These expenses change with the amount of cargo transported, such as:
Fuel costs
Labor costs for drivers or crew
Tolls and other usage fees
Transportation Modes - Key Characteristics:
Mode
Fixed Costs
Variable Costs
Main Advantage
Road
High
High
Flexibility, door-to-door delivery
Rail
Very High
Low
Efficient for bulk goods over long distances
Air
Highest
Highest
Fastest mode of transport
Water
High
Low
Most cost-effective for bulk goods over long distances
Pipeline
Very High
Very Low
Safe and efficient for transporting liquids and gases over long distances
5. World Maritime Trade by Mode:
According to UNCTAD's Annual Review of Maritime Transport (you can find it on the UNCTAD website), maritime transport remains the dominant mode for international trade, accounting for over 80% of global trade volume. Within maritime transport, bulk carriers handle a significant portion of goods like coal, iron ore, and grain, while container ships play a crucial role in manufactured goods trade.
6. Factory Gate Pricing:
Factory gate pricing refers to the price a good is sold for at the factory where it's produced, excluding transportation and other costs. This pricing method is often used in international trade contracts.
7. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Shipping Routes:
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to create a vast network of trade routes connecting China with other countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. This initiative could potentially alter international shipping routes by:
Increasing trade flows between China and BRI countries.
Leading to the development of new ports and infrastructure along BRI corridors.
Shifting some trade volumes from traditional sea routes to land routes developed under BRI.
8. Advantages of Port Strings:
Standardization of shipping containers allows companies like Cosco and Maersk to operate port strings. These strings involve calling at a series of ports in a specific order on a fixed schedule. Advantages include:
Efficiency: Optimized loading and unloading schedules minimize turnaround times in ports.
Reliability: Customers can expect consistent arrival and departure times at each port.
Economies of scale: Filling ships to capacity on a predictable route reduces costs per container.
9. Security Gaps in Intermodal Transport:
The UNCTAD article "Intermodal Transport Security: Need for an Integrated Approach" highlights security vulnerabilities in each transportation mode:
Road: Theft, hijacking, cargo pilferage (theft of small quantities).
Rail: Similar to road, with additional challenges of trespassing and tampering with tracks.
Air: Theft, unauthorized access to cargo areas, potential for using air cargo for smuggling contraband.
Sample Answer
Exploring International Trade Trends and Transportation on UNCTADstat
The UNCTADstat website (https://unctadstat.unctad.org/insights) offers valuable insights into international trade trends and transportation data. Let's delve into some key points and interesting facts we can find there:
1. Changes in International Trade:
Global Trade Growth:UNCTADstat allows you to explore trends in global trade growth. While historical data shows a generally increasing trend, recent years might indicate a slowdown or potential fluctuations. This could be due to factors like:
Trade wars and protectionist policies between countries.