Supply Chain Operations: Strategies That Drive True Efficiency
Our CCO – Contract Logistics, Jacques Roux, recently joined the nConnect team for a webinar entitled:
Supply Chain Operations: Strategies That Drive True Efficiency.
In this webinar session, they delved deeper into some of the challenges that many supply chain professionals are thinking about at the moment, and showcased what the Contract Logistics team at Harders is doing, and how Harders successfully expanded from freight forwarding to contract logistics / 3PL.
You can watch the full recording here.
Sea Freight Update
We are pleased to provide this month’s market update for Oceania, focusing on major international trade routes.
To support your supply chain and planning strategies, we aim to keep you informed about the latest developments, rate trends, and capacity insights as the dynamics of international shipping continue to evolve.
Northeast Asia to Oceania
- The market continues to remain volatile with upward pressure on rate levels due to ongoing blank sailings and port congestion in North Asia (notably in Shanghai and Busan).
- Mid July volumes showed improvement compared to early July especially from Shenzhen and Pearl River Delta regions as carriers finally achieved freight rates of 4-digit figures per TEU after successful rate increases (RR) were adopted.
- Each carrier however will adjust their pricing to suit their respective needs as some have had schedule challenges with vessels arriving within a few days apart and short-term promotions are necessary in some cases to fill these vessels.
- Weather disruptions and typhoon season are impacting schedule reliability and adding to the delays.
Outlook:
Expect demand to rise ahead of Golden Week (Oct 1 to 7). Early bookings are strongly advised to avoid premium surcharges and space shortfalls.
Shipping lines have announced August 1Rate Restoration (RR) to be enforced at a quantum of USD 300 – 500 per TEU with some carriers levying Peak Season Surcharges of USD 350 per TEU in addition.
Southeast Asia to Oceania
- Softer rate environment compared to Northeast Asia despite capacity tightening due to feeder delays and equipment shortages in key hubs like Singapore and Port Klang.
- Vietnam and Thailand exports are gradually recovering with increased demand.
- General Rate Increases (GRIs) have been extensively announced however not widely accepted, while Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) remain moderate and vary amongst carriers.
- Equipment repositioning will continue to affect schedule reliability.
Outlook:
Possible short-term rate increases and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) due to equipment imbalance and transhipment congestion effective August 1 2025.
Europe to Oceania
- Rates have stabilised after General Rate Increases and Peak Season surcharges were implemented.
- Direct services remain under pressure due to congestion at origin ports and longer transit times.
- Transhipment options continue to offer competitive pricing, though transit times can be longer if feeder connections are missed.
- We are seeing some space constraints on the direct services and bookings should be made well in advance.
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.
USA to Oceania
- Freight Rates are stead on both East and West Coast load ports.
- Some congestion continues in Los Angeles / Long Beach and New York which is impacting reliability.
- Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) remain in place on some West Coast port however general rate increases have eased in recent weeks.
Outlook:
This trade remains stable in the short term, though early planning is essential to achieve desired arrivals into Australia. Panama Canal disruptions may impact schedules later in the year and we will closely monitor conditions in order to communicate any delays as they arise.
Trans Tasman (East & Westbound)
- Eastbound AU → NZ remains soft with ample space and competitive spot market rates.
- Westbound NZ → AU showing signs of tightening, especially on reefer and project cargo.
- Schedules generally reliable. Some minor delays due to port congestion in Auckland and Melbourne.
Outlook:
Expect slight increases in rates eastbound as volume builds toward end-Q3.
Seasonal trends may support mild increases in both directions.
We appreciate your ongoing partnership and understanding as we navigate these changing market conditions.
Our team is closely monitoring all developments and will keep you updated on any significant changes. If you have upcoming shipments or require customised planning support, please don’t hesitate to contact our Key Account Managers.
We are here to help ensure that your supply chain remains smooth and efficient, with a focus on cost-effectiveness.
Air Freight Update
July may have been a tumultuous period in terms of geopolitical developments, but global airfreight rates changed very little during the month.
Air cargo volumes could drop as consumers scale back on non-essential goods, while shippers are favouring shorter-term contracts in a climate of uncertainty.
Supply-chain issues-from missing parts to delayed aircraft – forced airlines to delay fleet renewals, cancel or defer new routes, and reroute existing services. Simultaneously, geopolitical disruptions reshaped global flight paths.
Capacity remains stable on routes to the United States and Europe, while Intra-Asia capacity-especially to India is tighter. Overall, supply is sufficient to meet current demand levels.
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.
US Beef Back on the Menu — But Questions Linger Over Biosecurity
The Albanese government has lifted long-standing restrictions on American beef imports, prompting praise from the Trump administration but concern from Australian farming and biosecurity groups.
While Canberra insists the decision was based solely on science following a five-year departmental review, US officials are hailing it as a major trade win secured by President Trump amid ongoing tariff negotiations. Until now, beef from cattle born in Mexico or Canada but processed in the US was effectively blocked due to biosecurity risks.
Critics, including Nationals MPs and industry bodies, are demanding transparency on the biosecurity evidence behind the move. Many fear the change may have been influenced by trade pressure rather than science, particularly given Trump’s vocal criticism of Australia’s former ban.
Despite the symbolic win for US agriculture, low volumes of US beef are expected to enter Australia, as American product remains more expensive than local supply.
For Australian importers and exporters, the development signals two key takeaways:
- Biosecurity standards remain under scrutiny amid shifting trade dynamics.
- Trade access under Trump’s “America First” approach may depend more on concessions than alliances.
Landside Logistics
Flinders Adelaide Terminal
A major milestone was reached this month when the FACT (Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal) announced an enterprise agreement has been reached with the MUA (Maritime Union Authority) which will be in force through to the 31 March 2029.
In other developments, FACT is to undergo a significant transformation which aims to increase its operational capacity and efficiency. The $350 million dollar investment over 3 years includes:
- Additional Super Post Panamax Ship to Shore Cranes
- Upgrades to IT Infrastructure including key operational systems
- New terminal access
- Expanded Empty Container depot
- New pavement and hardstands
- Berth Extension and remediation
- Proof of Concept for Auto Rubber Tyre Gantry
ACCC provides greenlight for DP World acquisition of Silk Contract Logistics
On 4 July 2025, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that it would not oppose DP World Australia’s proposed acquisition of Silk Contract Logistics.
After a detailed investigation, the ACCC concluded that the acquisition was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the container logistics sector. DP World Australia operates container terminals at major ports including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Fremantle, while Silk provides national container transport and warehousing services.
The ACCC examined whether DP World might discriminate against Silk’s competitors by limiting access or raising costs at its terminals. However, it found that such conduct would likely harm DP World’s own operations and competitiveness, making it an unlikely strategy. The ACCC also noted that DP World would continue to face competition from other transport providers.
The FTA (Freight and Trade Alliance) and APSA (Australian Peak Shippers Association) have reiterated their call for government action which includes:
- Regulating slot allocation and empty container park access to ensure fair treatment.
- Implementing safeguards against misuse of sensitive commercial data
- Enforcing a mandatory code of conduct to regulate Stevedore charges and prevent vertical price distortions, as recommended by the Productivity Commission and ACCC.
- Strengthening oversight to guarantee competitive neutrality in all supply chain activities.
For more information please contact your Account Executive.
Applications for the Department’s Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme now open.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has opened applications for the 2025-26 Season Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Safeguarding Arrangements.
Safeguarding Arrangements may be entered into where goods are imported in solid six-sided containers from an overseas supplier that manufactures, stores and packs the export container at the same location. If accepted onto the scheme, mandatory fumigation is not required, however the department will randomly inspect some import containers to verify freedom from BMSB.
If your business imports multiple containers during the BMSB season from a supply chain as outlined above, you may be able to save costs associated with fumigation and improve the speed to market for your commodities.
Please contact HARDERS Advisory to discuss how we can assist you.