Import supply chains are in 'chaos' as summer shortages are predicted to hit Gloucestershire stay-at-home holidaymakers this summer.

The ongoing effects of Covid restrictions internationally mean about 60% of suppliers have reported import delays in the past month, according to a survey by KlearNow, a customs clearance firm.

Sam Tyagi, CEO, said a "perfect storm" of supply chain disruptions could lead to shortages across the UK this summer, with smaller retailers that were hoping to take advantage of the staycation boom being worst affected.

Tents, picnic baskets, garden toys and many other popular summer items could be in short supply as retailers risk running out of stock.

Sam Tyagi, whose company uses artificial intelligence to process thousands of import and export documents every week, says UK importers are waiting on goods that were due to arrive weeks ago, but are still on container ships in completely the wrong parts of the world.

He said: "With competition for container space so high, some smaller businesses are simply being priced out of landing the goods and materials that they need."

"We've processed more than a hundred thousand UK customs documents since January and speak to many UK businesses every day. The one word we keep hearing is "chaos." UK businesses are facing an increasing array of supply chain challenges already and it's only going to get worse".

Many products are manufactured in China and with the demand for outdoor catering booming, and families considering camping or caravanning holidays in the UK, demand for many products is outstripping supply.

Imports were also affected by the six-day blockage of the Suez Canal in March, increasing demand for shipping containers and a shortage of packing material.

The news comes after building suppliers reported that shortages of raw materials were affecting the construction industry in Gloucestershire.

Simon Ford, CEO of Allstone and Speedy Skips, told Punchline Gloucester that supply issues were causing shortages of flooring sands and basic cement. Chemicals for paints and timber are also reported to be in short supply as demand for materials surges.