Buttigieg says supply chain troubles could last into next year

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday said supply chain issues could continue into next year as many companies struggle with disruptions.

CNN’s “State of the Union” host Jake Tapper noted that Moody’s recently warned that supply chain issues would “get worse before they get better.” He asked Buttigieg whether he agreed with that notion and if Americans should prepare for such an outcome.

“Well, certainly, a lot of the challenges that we have been experiencing this year will continue into next year,” Buttigieg said. “But there are both short-term and long-term steps that we can take to do something about it. Look, part of what’s happening isn’t just the supply side. It’s the demand side. Demand is off the charts. Retail sales are through the roof.”

Buttigieg said ports are welcoming “record amounts of goods … because demand is up, because income is up.” However, he acknowledged that supply chains “can’t keep up” with rising demand.

“Our role is to be an honest broker, bring together all of the different players there, secure commitments and get solutions that are going to make it easier,” said Buttigieg.

Tapper asked the Transportation secretary whether President Biden has considered lifting the tariffs on China that former President Trump had imposed as a way to address the ongoing issue.

“Well, I think every idea is being taken seriously,” said Buttigieg. He said the administration is currently focusing on supply chain operations, pointing to West Coast ports that will now operate 24/7 to address supply chain bottlenecks.

Buttigieg added that a lack of available truckers was also affecting the supply chain issues and said his department was working with state motor vehicle departments to speed up the issuing of commercial driver’s licenses.