Tariff tensions escalate
Despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s ongoing negotiations to exempt Australia from the trade war, President Trump’s tariffs of 25 on aluminum and steel went into effect on Wednesday, March 12.
Only two hours after Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs took effect, the European Union hit the US with countermeasures worth around $28 billion on exports.
Foreign governments were not shy in their attempts to fight these tariffs, however, plenty of these attempts were struck with quick US retaliation. For instance, to counteract the surcharge Canada put on its electricity exports to three US states, Trump threatened to increase metals tariffs from 25 per cent to 50 per cent for Canada specifically.
All of this and the tariff war is yet to be in full effect, as more countries are expected to be caught in the crosshairs of Trump’s protectionist leadership in the coming week, as the President plans to announce widespread reciprocal tariffs on April 2.
“April 2nd is going to be liberation day for America,” said Trump in the Oval Office on Friday.
“We’ve been ripped off by every country in the world, friend and foe.”
Despite Trump’s comments, following the markets reaction to the tariffs initially posed on Canada, Mexico and China, democratic congressman, Joe Courtney, believes the President may veer from his original plan.
Mr Countney’s statements follow speculation that the April 2 conference will address tariffs set to target pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other sectors.
This news pressured the US Federal Reserve into rethinking the potential harm tariffs could have on the US economy.
Tariff turmoil has also caused political tension in the Southern Hemisphere, as the leader of the opposition to the Albanese Government, Peter Dutton, ridiculed the Australian Prime Minister’s handlings with President Trump.
He said that US would be his first overseas trip if he became Prime Minister.
America is Australia’s “most important military partner,” and that there’s “a lot of repair work to do in that relationship,” said Mr Dutton.
Captain charged and conservationists concerned after fatal North Sea collision
Police charge the captain of a container ship on counts of gross negligence and manslaughter after crashing into another vessel in the North Sea earlier this month.
Vladimir Motin, the 59-year-old man held accountable, was placed under custody in East York Shire, England, after he crashed the Solong into a US-flagged tanker, Stena Immaculate, claiming one life.
The Solong was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands when it encountered the Stena Immaculate, which was anchored and waiting for a port in the Humber after travelling from Greece’s Peloponnese region.
While the contents of the Solong at the time of the crash are less clear, according to the maritime operations company, Crowley, the Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel across six containers for the American military.
Jet fuel leaks can have serious environmental implications, posing a threat to marine organisms and other animals.
A week after the collision, plastic pellets were discovered washed ashore on beaches in Lincolnshire and Norfolk, England, which raised concerns among conservationists.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution identified these pellets as ‘nurdles’, which are commonly used in the plastics industry for manufacturing. Although they aren’t toxic, according to the coastguard, they pose a threat to wildlife, including seagulls, seals and fish.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug 2025-26 Season – Safeguarding Arrangements
As the 2024-25 BMSB season is drawing towards its conclusion, it is time to start planning for applications to the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Importers that are able to demonstrate that they have established processes in their manufacturing supply chain which can prevent their goods from being exposed to and contaminated with BMSB are eligible to apply. Approvals, if granted, are for a single supplier that can prevent contamination through the manufacturing, storage and loading process for containerised export to Australia.
If your business is outlaying large sums for offshore fumigation or suffering from additional costs and delays to your consignments directed for fumigation on arrival, contact HARDERS Advisory today to discuss the how we can assist you.
HARDERS Contract Logistics opens new warehouse in Sydney
Jacques Roux, Chief Commercial Officer – Contract Logistics, ANZ
We are pleased to announce that HARDERS Contract Logistics has expanded to a world-class distribution centre in Sydney’s west. Strategically located in the Horsley Park logistics hub, less than 30 minutes from Moorebank Intermodal Precinct and Western Sydney International Airport, HARDERS is offering tailored contract logistics / 3PL solutions to some of the best food and beverage retailers in Australia, keen to get their products to market in the optimal condition and fast.
Racked to accommodate ~8,500 pallet positions, the site was fully operational from February 2025 with ATO S79 Bond (import and excise) and Food Storage Approval and a limited quantity of Dangerous Goods Storage approval (SafeWork NSW) in place as required by our clients.
Our warehousing solutions are designed to handle seasonal beverage retailer peaks efficiently, ensure compliance with strict regulations and provide cost-effective B2B distribution. Value-add services such as relabelling or repacking under bond, biosecurity inspections, container unpack and deliver, or simple overflow solutions are available.
Blue Yonder, the best-of-breed and Gartner-Magic Quadrant leading warehouse management system (WMS), drive the operational processes, offering enterprise-level business solutions from day one. System integrations with beverage retailer enterprise-resource planning (ERP) systems are quick and easy. Simple container ‘unpack and deliver’ or overflow requirements can be managed simply through our ‘Rapid Deployment’ approach.
Work has commenced on HACCP certification; Approved Arrangement – Quarantine; ISO (Quality) 9001 – 2015.
This Sydney expansion comes at a time when many 3PLs are rationalising their Sydney footprints, squeezing overall capacity and leaving fewer quality 3PL options in the market.
Jacques Roux, Chief Commercial Officer – Contract Logistics, stated:
“Just 12 months after opening the purpose-built 3PL site in Melbourne, we are delighted to be opening our 2nd distribution centre now in Sydney as we build out our national 3PL footprint. This is in-line with our strategic plan and supported by existing Food and Beverage customer demand for quality warehousing and distribution solutions.”
Harders Australia is a 38 year old, Australian family-owned logistics solutions provider offering tailor-made international freight forwarding, customs clearance, contract logistics, final mile and advisory services.
Whether it be premium wines, craft beers, or non-alcoholic beverages – HARDERS Contract Logistics is your reliable supply-chain partner.
Harders is a Silver Partner of the Drinks Association. Article link
Airfreight
Airfreight demand have stabilised over the last couple of weeks following the highs and lows caused by the Lunar New Year holiday period and uncertainty around the impact of tariffs.
The global air cargo spot rate in February increased at its slowest pace YoY since June 2024.
Industry estimates +4-6% growth in the global air cargo market for 2025 with a key caveat that growing trade tension is a major downside risk to the forecast.
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.
Sea Freight Market Update
Shipping lines have taken significant steps to adjust freight rates in response to market conditions.
These upcoming months are typically slower for the Northeast Asia to Oceania trade lane and we have seen how adept the shipping lines are at managing their capacity and supply.
Last month there were approximately five blank sailings implemented in this trade lane, enough to put an end to any unsustainable freight rates in the market.
This month the theme continues with more blank sailings being imposed plus adverse weather conditions in Australia and in China reaping havoc and adding to delays.
Several shipping lines have had to omit ports in Asia and in Australia, more notably Brisbane due to unruly weather conditions.
These factors have all contributed to carrier confidence and a shortage of available space paving the way for more Rate Restorations to take effect in April.
These Rate Restorations will be levied by all major shipping lines on April 1st and April 15th at advertised quantum of USD 300 per TEU respectively from Northeast Asia to Oceania.
Despite this effort, the market remains in a transitional phase.
Some carriers without long-term agreements are uncertain about the coming weeks, and if this sentiment spreads, rates could see a slight correction.
However, strategic capacity management by shipping lines is helping to prevent a repeat of last year’s sharp decline.
The first half of April looks promising in terms of vessel utilization, suggesting that recent rate adjustments may help stabilize the market.
The key focus now is on how the situation evolves in the coming weeks and whether demand strengthens enough to sustain current pricing levels.
For expert guidance in navigating these market shifts, our Key Account Managers are here to provide tailored solutions and strategic insights. Contact us today to ensure your shipping needs are met with efficiency and confidence.
Landside Logistics
Empty Container Park Fee Increases
Several empty container parks across Australia have recently increased their slot booking fees. These fee hikes are part of a broader trend affecting the entire country, driven by rising operational costs and other economic factors. In Sydney, empty container park fees are closing in on $300 per container with other ports not far away.
DP Worlds Acquisition of Silk Logistics
DP World Australia has announced a significant acquisition of Silk Logistics Holdings Limited. The deal, valued at approximately A$175 million, involves DP World purchasing 100% of Silk Logistics’ issued share capital at a cash offer of A$2.14 per share. This acquisition aims to expand DP World’s logistics offerings across Oceania, enhancing their capability to deliver integrated port-to-door services.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has raised several preliminary concerns regarding DP World Australia’s proposed acquisition of Silk Logistics Holdings Limited.
Some of these concerns include:
- Reduction in Competition
- Discrimination against competitors
- Below cost discounting
- Access to sensitive data
The ACCC invited submissions from interested parties to provide comments and information to assist in their assessment. The deadline for submissions was March 27, 2025.
The ACCC’s final decision will be crucial in determining whether the acquisition proceeds and under what conditions, if any. This scrutiny highlights the importance of maintaining competitive markets to protect consumers and ensure fair business practices.