73 cargo ships waiting off the coast of California as port congestion continues

Maritime officials say that the situation is easing at California ports with the number of log jammed ships at 60 by the close of business Friday.

At the peak last week, the number was above 70, but nearly 20 more ships arrived over the weekend and only 12 were able to dock at the ports. Before the pandemic, it was unusual for more than one ship to have to wait.

The backlog has trickle down effects for exporters, which the U.S. Meat Export Federation says creates a logistical nightmare. In some cases, retailers are finding new sources for products.

The port congestion in the U.S. is compounded by typhoons and COVID closures in Asia.

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