The German government, through its embassy in Caracas, expressed its concern to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry about the retention of more than 170 containers in several Venezuelan ports, which has translated into delays in operations of large German firms. Germany learned that the Venezuelan customs authorities suspended Panalpina, a Swiss supplier of transport and logistic services, thus stopping shipment release in several ports, including "more than 170 containers" belonging to German firms. In a verbal note, the German embassy complained about the situation. "The measure has considerable repercussions and a negative impact on the daily work of German enterprises operating in Venezuela," with contracts in the public and private sectors. Several companies have been hit by these delays, including firms supplying machinery to the oil and automobile sectors, pharmaceutical laboratories, chemical products enterprises, and other European food and communication companies.