In an interview with HuffPost, Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, said that the business was experiencing the same difficulties as those of other Christmas-related products, primarily supply chain issues.
The Artificial Christmas Tree Alliance (ACTA) is a non-profit trade group that represents businesses and organizations in the artificial Christmas tree industry. Members of the organization are experiencing significant delays and shortages, as are members of many other trade associations, because of the ongoing global supply chain crisis.
Update on the Supply Chain:
In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, here’s what you need to know that’s been all over the news: The unloading capacity of U.S. ports has been exceeded, leading to congestion and overload. This has led to an all-time high in the number of cargo ships waiting to be unloaded, which has caused additional delays.
The truckers that transport goods throughout the United States are likewise underpaid and stressed out. As a result, supplies are low and shipping times are frequently extended.
“Everything from Christmas trees to electronics to toys to appliances to laptops to automobiles is seeing severe supply chain issues this year,” Warner added. Everyone here is in the same boat, so to speak. In order to replenish their stocks, our members have had to scramble and pay far higher prices. The price of shipping containers has increased by as much as 300 percent in the past 12 months.
In 2020, he said, the demand for Christmas trees of all varieties was high because people wanted to create a sense of joy and celebration at home despite the loneliness and sadness brought on by the pandemic. Even if demand is high, artificial tree sellers have had a tough go of it this year.
Artificial tree shop Balsam Hill in California had an operations executive tell Quartz earlier this month that the limited sales window for Christmas trees combined with supply chain interruptions made for a logistical headache.
He noted that he is constantly “fighting for space” on cargo ships and that he is frustrated to see delivery date estimates creep closer and closer to Christmas.
An Introduction to Fake Trees
People often choose artificial Christmas trees over live ones since they don’t need to be watered or maintained and aren’t susceptible to bug infestations. As an added bonus, you may select from a variety of interesting pre-lit themes and hues.
False trees aren’t the greenest option, though. Most of these items are imported from China, where they are frequently manufactured using non-recyclable plastic that has been shown to have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
However, if you buy an artificial tree made in the United States out of less hazardous materials, you can make your holiday tradition more environmentally responsible. Check for a “Made In USA” label or a statement to that effect in the item’s online description.
Some shoppers who had planned to buy artificial trees may end up buying a genuine one from a lot or farm due to current supply chain issues. However, Warner remains guardedly hopeful regarding the artificial tree market, at least for the foresighted.
Warner urged shoppers to “purchase early, since we think that consumers will still be able to find a Christmas tree this season.”
It’s time to start thinking about your Christmas centerpiece if you like fake fir trees and you celebrate the holiday.
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