Sea Freight Update
Welcome to this month’s Oceania Market Update, where we bring you the latest insights on international trade routes, freight rate movements, and capacity trends.
As global shipping continues to evolve, we aim to provide clear, timely insights to help you plan your supply chain and make informed decisions.
Whether your navigating peak season pressures or adapting to shifting trade dynamics this update is designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
Northeast Asia to Oceania
- Freight rates remain high due to seasonal demand and ongoing port congestion in Shanghai and Ningbo which is limiting available space.
- Typhoon season is causing delays and disrupting sailing schedules, with impacts expected to continue through August.
- These disruptions are putting extra pressure on spot and FAK rates, especially as demand stays strong and another blank sailing is expected later this month.
- Carriers have announced another round of Rate Restorations (RRs) effective September 1 ranging from USD 300 – 500 per TEU.
- Demand is expected to rise ahead of Golden Week (Oct 1 – 7), prompting early space constraints.
Outlook:
- Bookings should be made early to avoid premium surcharges and space shortfalls.
- Expect continued volatility through September due to weather and equipment imbalances.
- Carriers are expected to continue using blank sailings to protect rate levels through Quarter 4.
Southeast Asia to Oceania
- Port congestion in the main hubs of Singapore and Port Klang are causing feeder vessel delays and equipment shortages.
- Freight rates remain steady and are expected to hold through to Quarter 4 with peak pressure at times.
- Vietnam and Thailand exports are recovering however capacity remains tight.
- Carriers are continuing to push for more rate increases and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) however acceptance remains varied across carriers.
- Adverse weather disruptions and equipment repositioning challenges are contributing to schedule variability.
Outlook:
- Continued rate volatility through August as carriers manage capacity and adjust pricing to match demand.
- Another Rate Restoration announcement has been advised by all main carriers to take effect September 1 at USD 300 per TEU.
- Early bookings and flexible routing are recommended to mitigate risks from transhipment delays and equipment imbalances.
Europe to Oceania
- Rates have remained stable due to reduced shipping capacity and ongoing port delays in Northern Europe.
- Direct services remain under pressure due to congestion and berth delays at origin ports like Rotterdam and Hamburg.
- Operational disruptions continue, with Gemini service temporarily omitting Genoa and diverting to Vado Ligure through August and September to maintain schedule integrity
- Transhipment options continue to offer competitive pricing, though transit times can be longer if feeder connections are missed.
- Labour shortages are contributing to delays at key terminals, especially in Antwerp, where early import container collection is being encouraged to reduce congestion.
Outlook:
- Capacity pressures are building as space fills for peak season cargo demand; however, we do anticipate freight rates extending with PSS surcharges continuing to be levied.
- We are seeing some space constraints on the direct services and bookings should be made well in advance as we approach Quarter 4.
USA to Oceania
- Space availability is tightening due to capacity cuts following a weather than expected demand.
- With trade tariff updates effective August 7, booking uncertainty looms as export flows contribute to rate volatility, despite freight rates currently remaining stable.
- Schedule reliability has improved globally, with average delays down to 4.5 days, and Asia to North America West Coast services reaching 78% reliability.
- Carriers continue to preference higher yielding trades which is affecting space from the USA to the world with persistent space shortages.
- Service suspensions may continue to manage shipping line’s profitability as potential general rate increases may be announced.
- MSC has announced a new direct weekly service between Oceania and the U.S. East Coast, launching in early 2026. Be sure to contact our team for more details.
Outlook:
This trade remains stable in the short term, though early planning and flexible routing are essential to mitigate risks from capacity constraints and tariff related disruptions.
Trans Tasman (East & Westbound)
- Eastbound AU to NZ remains soft with ample space and competitive spot market rates.
- Despite global rate declines, Australia is seeing upward pressure on rates due to increased import volumes and seasonal demand.
- Port congestion in Sydney and Melbourne is contributing to minor delays though overall schedule reliability remains stable.
- Westbound NZ to AU showing signs of tightening, especially on reefer and project cargo.
- Equipment shortages and feeder delays are impacting reliability, particularly from Tauranga and Lyttleton.
- Some carriers are reviewing terminal handling charges adding to landed costs.
- OOCL ANS Service and COSCO’s ANE Service will add a new Wellington direct port of call. The service will be commencing September 4th departure from Melbourne.
- Port Rotation as follows.
- Melbourne – Bell Bay – Sydney – Auckland – Tauranga – Wellington – Melbourne
Outlook:
- Expect slight increases in rates eastbound as volume builds toward end-Q3.
- Early bookings are recommended to secure preferred sailing options to mitigate disruptions and delays.
We encourage you to plan shipments early and stay closely aligned with our team during this period of heightened volatility.
Our priority is to help you navigate rate adjustments and secure reliable space through Golden Week and into Quarter 4.
Please reach out to our experienced team of Key Account Managers to discuss tailored booking strategies for your supply chain.
We thank you for your continued trust and partnership!
Air Freight Update
The outlook for air cargo over the coming months is uncertain, with a dynamic trade environment making it difficult to predict market developments. Ending of the de minimis exemption, e-commerce supply chains between China / Hong Kong and the US are shifting from a business-to-consumer model to business-to-business-to-consumer setup, with companies now utilising warehousing to store inventory rather than shipping direct to the consumer.
Global air cargo volume growth for 2025 is now forecast at 0.6%, down from earlier 5–6% expectations. While e-commerce demand weakens, high-value and time-critical shipments remain resilient, with strongest growth seen in pharma markets, specialized cargo, and tech-driven logistics.
If tariffs slow global trade, air cargo carriers may face lower demand, prompting adjustments in fleet utilisation and route planning.
Whatever your cargo size, type, or deadline, we deliver the best rate and service combinations to meet your needs.
We have weekly consoles from USA, Europe, China, and South Africa into AU. Please contact our team of supply chain professionals who will continue to provide you with the most competitive options to support your supply chain needs.
Landside Logistics
Escalating Empty Container Park Fees Impacting Transport Costs
Empty container park fees across the East Coast have reached unsustainable levels, with recent increases from Qube pushing costs to approximately $300 per container. When combined with Vehicle Booking System (VBS) and terminal infrastructure charges, total ancillary costs now exceed the average base metropolitan delivery rate by more than three times.
Industry Feedback
Transport partners report that despite these significant fee hikes, there has been little or no corresponding improvement in infrastructure or service levels at empty container parks. This raises serious concerns about the transparency and justification of these charges.
It has long been the industry’s view that the costs associated with operating empty container parks should be borne by the container park clients—namely, the shipping lines. Transport operators have no control over where containers are dehired and are frequently required to make last-minute changes, often without penalty to the end customer.
Harders continues to advocate strongly on this issue, engaging with relevant industry stakeholders to push for greater accountability and fairer cost structures.