Contract Logistics
NSW, SA and WA to Add Wine and Spirits to Container Deposit Schemes by 2027
New South Wales and South Australia will expand their container deposit schemes (CDS) to include wine and spirits glass bottles by mid-2027. Western Australia’s state government has also fast-tracked plans to expand its Containers for Change scheme to include wine and spirits bottles by July next year.
The move is expected to add around 500–700 million containers to the system each year, diverting significant waste from landfill while providing residents and businesses with a 10-cent refund per container. Recovered bottles will be repurposed through industry partners such as Visy Glass, which already uses an average of 64% recycled content across Australia and New Zealand.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said it was “time to take the next step,” describing the CDS as one of the state’s greatest environmental success stories. Currently, 99% of the glass collected through South Australia’s scheme is used in local bottle manufacturing. By contrast, only 11% of the 36,000 tonnes of glass placed in kerbside co-mingled recycling bins is returned to container production. Each year, South Australians recycle about 660 million containers (roughly 40,000 tonnes), keeping them out of landfill and litter streams. Malinauskas expects these numbers to grow once wine and spirits are added, bringing extra benefits to community groups, sporting clubs, and charities that collect and return containers.
In NSW, Environment Minister Penny Sharpe predicts the expansion will save at least 27,000 tonnes of material from landfill annually. She highlighted the dual benefits: stronger recycling outcomes and direct financial returns to residents.
“The Container Deposit Scheme is fantastic for the environment, great for our recycling industry, and also puts money back in people’s pockets,” she said, noting its rising popularity since introduction.
Impact on Producers
The changes won’t take effect until mid-2027, allowing time for producers, collection points, and systems to adjust. Both governments emphasized a gradual transition, with industry consultation at the core.
However, not all stakeholders are supportive. Australian Grape & Wine, the peak industry body, criticised the move, warning it could impose an additional $85 million in costs on wine producers already struggling under market pressures.
South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close, acknowledged these concerns. She said the government would continue engaging with producers, especially small and family-run wineries, to develop “the least-cost, simplest approach possible.” Support will be tailored to ease the transition and reduce impacts on smaller operators.
Penny Sharpe echoed that message, stressing the importance of a carefully managed rollout:
“It’s really important that people don’t try to take their wine bottles to a Return and Earn machine tomorrow. We’re working with industry to ensure return systems will be ready to handle the new containers by mid-2027.”
National Context
The NSW and SA announcements follow Queensland’s inclusion of wine and spirits bottles in November 2023. Western Australia and the Northern Territory have also revealed similar plans to expand their schemes, marking a broader national shift toward stronger recycling practices.
By extending CDS coverage, governments expect to significantly boost recycling rates, reduce landfill waste, and increase the use of recycled materials in bottle manufacturing—cementing the schemes as vital pillars of Australia’s circular economy.
U.S. Government Shutdown – Supply Chain Impact Update
The U.S. government has shut down after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to reach an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Shippers to and from the U.S. should be aware of the following impacts:
Imports Pending Customs Clearance
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to perform essential national security and cargo clearance functions. However, with many administrative and support staff furloughed, delays are already occurring for shipments under review or pending release.
It’s important to note that U.S. brokers have no control over the timing of Customs exams or releases.
Once CBP authorizes a release, cargo will be forwarded immediately.
Exports
Most export functions remain operational, but exporters should expect slower processing in areas affected by reduced staffing. Potential impacts include delays in AES filings, license processing, and other government reviews.
Agency-Specific Impacts
- CBP: Ports remain open; however, refunds, drawback claims, protests, CF 28/29 responses, and ruling requests are delayed. Importers should continue to meet all filing deadlines.
- FDA / USDA: High-risk inspections and recalls continue, but routine import processing is slowing due to reduced staffing.
- EPA & Other PGAs: Reviews and approvals are delayed or suspended.
- ITC: Updates to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule are paused until the shutdown ends.
- BIS: Export license processing, classification requests, and advisory opinions are suspended. Enforcement activities continue.
- TSA & Air Traffic Control: Required to work, but staffing shortages may impact airport operations and air cargo flows.
- CTPAT: No impacts reported at this time.
Other Government Functions
Additional disruptions are occurring across multiple agencies, including:
OFAC, DDTC, DOT, Census Bureau, FMC – While essential services (e.g., CBP cargo processing, FAA air traffic control) remain active, many administrative functions—such as tariff exclusion processing, trade monitoring, antidumping/countervailing duty investigations, and training programs—are suspended until staffing resumes.
Our Commitment to You
Harders and its partners remain proactive and committed to ensuring timely communication throughout this period. While we cannot influence the pace of government processing, we will:
- Pre-clear shipments wherever possible
- Closely monitor cargo status
- Provide timely updates as the situation evolves
We recognize the critical importance of keeping your supply chain moving and thank you for your patience and trust as we navigate this period together.
Sea Freight Market Update – Q4 2025
Oceania Trade Lanes Impacted by Typhoon Ragasa and Rate Volatility
As we enter the final quarter of 2025, global sea freight markets remain volatile, with weather disruptions and carrier-driven rate adjustments shaping trade flows into Oceania.
The recent impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa has added further complexity, causing delays across key Asian ports and creating ripple effects on schedules bound for Australia and New Zealand. Below, we provide a trade-by-trade update to help you navigate the current environment and plan ahead with confidence.
General Overview
Market volatility continues as carriers push through several General Rate Increases (GRIs) during 2025, while demand softens on some lanes.
Operational disruption this week from Super Typhoon Ragasa is causing port and feeder delays, along with short-term congestion across parts of Northeast and Southeast Asia (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Vietnam), with knock-on effects for Oceania sailings.
Northeast Asia to Oceania
- China’s extended Golden Week (Oct 1–8) has limited new bookings until after October 11.
- Vessels during the holiday period were loaded with pre-holiday cargo, packed early as carriers offered extended free time to ensure space was well utilised.
- Extra loaders injected into the trade have created volatility, and planned rate increases in the second half of September were largely unsuccessful.
- Late September rates have therefore been extended into early October, with no major changes.
- Carriers are expected to manage capacity via blank sailings and natural gaps in schedules (due to weather delays), to create space shortages and support their efforts to increase freight rates in the second half of October.
- Effective October 15, 2025, major carriers have announced intentions to implement another round of General Rate Increases (GRI) or Rate Restorations (RR) at USD 300 per TEU from Northeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand.
- Congestion and berth delays are expected at southern Chinese ports and some Taiwanese ports due to Typhoon Ragasa.
Outlook:
- Short-term volatility and slower vessel rotations due to weather
- Rates likely to remain elevated compared to mid-2025, with possible softening if demand weakens
- Clients should book early for October/November sailings, consider flexible arrival windows, and prepare for alternate routings for time-sensitive cargo (e.g., transhipment via less-affected hubs)
Weather-Related Delays – Typhoon Ragasa
Typhoon Ragasa’s landfalls across Taiwan, southern China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Vietnam have caused port closures, feeder cancellations, and power infrastructure damage. This is leading to short-term schedule uncertainty and localised congestion, which will ripple into sailings to Oceania.
Longer vessel rotations, cargo delays, and feeder disruptions are expected.
We urge our clients to plan for 7–21 days of schedule impacts, depending on origin port and feeder recovery.
Southeast Asia to Oceania
- Typhoon Ragasa has impacted the ports of Vietnam and the Philippines, with closures and operational disruptions.
- Capacity has not been impacted to the same extent as Northeast Asia; however, service reliability is strained as carriers reallocate containers.
- Operational impacts on local feeders and longer trucking lead times are evident.
- Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidation delays are likely.
Outlook:
- Expect a 1–3 week window of elevated transit times for affected origin ports
- Freight rates are broadly stable but may see temporary premiums for guaranteed or expedited space and routings
- Another Rate Restoration has been announced by all main carriers, effective October 15, at USD 300 per TEU
- Clients should monitor vessel schedules closely, particularly from the Philippines and Vietnam, as conditions are changing daily
Europe to Oceania
- Rates are softening due to weaker demand this quarter. Most carriers are extending September rates into Q4, while others revise pricing based on specific port pairs.
- Weather disruptions continue to impact sailing schedules, including several port omissions:
- Strong winds in Northern Europe
- Storms in Southern Europe
- Terminal congestion in Rotterdam and Koper is affecting rail capacity in Slovenia.
- Volumes are slowly recovering post-summer as industries regain confidence in trade.
Italy Rail Freight:
Still experiencing disruptions due to:
- Labour shortages and civil works from August
- Strikes planned in early October, causing nationwide delays across rail, port, and public transport
- Major lines like Bologna–Florence closed until mid-December
- Freight volumes on key corridors (e.g., France–Italy) are still at 40–50% of normal capacity
Outlook:
- Continued schedule disruptions and longer transit times from Southern Europe expected
- Rates may remain soft unless demand picks up in Q4
- Italy rail recovery needs close monitoring, with potential knock-on effects for port throughput
USA to Oceania
- Transpacific capacity additions earlier in 2025 created downward pressure on rates
- Daily spot rates have since moderated, but carriers continue to attempt rate hikes
- Blank sailings and slot tightening are being used to drive rates up despite weak demand
- Congestion and vessel bypasses are affecting service reliability
- US West Coast dwell times and port productivity have generally improved but remain sensitive to seasonal volumes
- Carriers will continue to respond to demand signals with short-notice service changes
Outlook:
- Continued volatility in schedules and transit times
- Watch for service adjustments post-Golden Week as carriers shift capacity toward higher-yielding trades
Trans-Tasman (East & Westbound)
- Service frequency has improved, with new or adjusted rotations announced (e.g., direct Wellington calls, added sailings)
- Capacity is sufficient, though schedule reliability varies by port
- Generally good connectivity, with occasional equipment repositioning issues
- Weather-related delays are possible due to seasonal storms
- Economic divergence between Australia and New Zealand is influencing trade flows
- No major rate movements, as demand remains stable
Outlook:
- Market expected to remain stable, with incremental capacity improvements
- Short bursts of premium freight rates may arise for urgent or guaranteed deliveries
- Carriers may adjust rotations or capacity based on regional demand shifts
- Planning flexibility is recommended, as weather and port conditions evolve
Final Note
As we watch the region recover from the impact of Typhoon Ragasa, our thoughts are with all those affected across Asia.
While these disruptions are creating challenges in supply chains, our priority remains to support you in keeping cargo moving as smoothly as possible. Rest assured, our team is working proactively with carriers to minimise disruption and safeguard your supply chain.
Global Air Freight Market Update – September 2025
In September 2025, the global air freight market is navigating a period of significant transformation.
The demand landscape for air cargo is complex. A moderate recovery in manufacturing PMI and an 11% year-over-year increase in demand signal renewed vitality; however, performance remains regionally inconsistent. High-traffic routes from Asia to North America, Europe, and Oceania are experiencing exceptional demand, driven by new consumer electronics launches and booming e-commerce—pushing spot rates to a yearly high in early September. Conversely, demand for conventional industrial goods remains soft, reflecting an uneven global economic recovery.
On the supply side, renewed passenger flight schedules have added substantial bellyhold capacity, easing some of the previous constraints caused by supply chain disruptions. However, this added capacity does not cover all routes, leaving shortfalls on high-demand lanes. Persistently high jet fuel prices and ongoing geopolitical route adjustments are increasing airline operating costs, thereby supporting higher freight rates.
Reduced Freighter Capacity:
Over 100 freighters have been retired since 2023, cutting dedicated cargo capacity by approximately 10%. The loss of all-cargo aircraft has weakened the market’s supply elasticity, making capacity shortages more severe during peak demand periods.
Our Commitment to You
Whatever your cargo size, type, or deadline, we deliver the best rate and service combinations to meet your needs.
We offer weekly consolidated shipments from the USA, Europe, China, and South Africa into Australia. Please contact our team of supply chain professionals, who will continue to provide you with the most competitive solutions to support your logistics requirements.
Commencement of the Australia – United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
As reported in national media, Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a landmark agreement establishing the Australia – United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
This is Australia’s first free trade agreement (FTA) in the Middle East and provides trade benefits for Australian exporters and importers. The UAE is Australia’s largest trading partner in the region, with two-way trade worth $12.3 billion in 2024.
The agreement entered into force on 1 October 2025, with many goods immediately eligible for duty-free trade. Some goods are subject to phased duty rates, attracting 4% duty from 1 October 2025, 3% duty from 1 January 2026, and will phase to eventual duty-free rates from 1 January 2029.
For more information relating to the agreement and an importer’s obligations to claim preferential duty rates, please speak with your key account manager or contact HARDERS Advisory.
Waiver of Certificate of Origin under the ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) for Australian Trusted Traders
Effective from 1 October 2025, the Australian Border Force has extended the Australian Trusted Trader Origin Waiver benefit to include AANZFTA and the newly established CEPA agreement.
ATT importers are not required to obtain or present an AANZFTA or CEPA Certificate of Origin to claim preferential rates under these agreements. However, they are required to retain evidence for a period of five years from the date of importation that the imported goods comply with the relevant rules of origin and must present this information to ABF upon request.
To learn more about this benefit and the associated obligations, please contact HARDERS Advisory.