Charleston, South Carolina, USA – Speaking on a panel at the South Atlantic International Trade Conference Maersk North America Regional Managing Director, Narin Phol discussed the nation’s current supply chain challenges and ways forward. / The U.S. consumer drives the U.S. economy: The disruptions in manufacturing and ports in the Far East in early 2020 due to COVID-19 disrupted the normal flow of trade. Now that life is returning to normal in much of the U.S. with return to work in offices and schools back in session there’s renewed demand in American households which contribute to the rise in U.S. imports. 70% of U.S. GDP is linked to consumer buying. (....)