Critical Reasoning

Exporters in Country X are facing lower revenues due to a shortage of the large metal shipping containers in which they send their goods by sea to other countries. Fewer containers arrive in Country X due to reductions in imports. This has meant lost orders, costly delays, and a scramble for alternatives, such as air freight, all of which are costlier. Moreover, the revenues of exporters in Country X will probably continue to decline in the near future. This is because other countries are likely to find it increasingly unprofitable to export their goods to Country X, and because __________.

Which of the following would most logically complete the passage?

A. production of shipping containers in Country X is growing rapidly as a response to the shortage
B. shipping companies are willing to move containers from country to country only when the containers are full
C. the cost of shipping alternatives such as air freight is likely to stabilize in the near future
D. consumers in Country X are purchasing more products than ever before
E. the worldwide demand for goods made in Country X has only recently begun to rise after a long decline

B

Source: Official Guide 2020