A recent and unexpected surge in international sea cargo has hit an unexpected snag - a shortage of shipping containers.
One research company estimates that six million new containers are needed to meet the increased global demand - equivalent to two years of production.
New Zealand may not be immune to the effects of the shortage.
Maersk New Zealand managing director Julian Bevis says most shipping lines reduced their container stocks during the downturn, and didn't buy new ones.
While he doesn't think there's a problem in New Zealand at the moment, he says there could be in the future if shipping lines and exporters don't sort out their requirements well in advance.
Mr Bevis says Maersk has ordered 120,000 containers, but it will take a while for factories to build up production.
