FTA / APSA Shipping Report - Edition 16 2025 Sponsored by UBEECO

Thursday, June 26, 2025
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Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have prepared the following report using practical efforts to ensure that the commentaries are accurate, generally using source intelligence and publicly available data. 


Edition 16, 2025 - SNAPSHOT

Rates / Services
The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) fell by 7% this week, marking the first decline in over a month and bringing the average rate to $2,115 per 40-foot container as of 19 June 2025.

This drop follows six consecutive weeks of increases and reflects softening demand for US-bound cargo, particularly after the recent surge linked to the temporary pause on higher US tariffs failed to sustain momentum.
  • Freight rates from Shanghai to New York fell by 10% to $6,584 per 40ft container, while rates to Los Angeles dropped by 20% this week. However, both lanes are still up significantly over the past six weeks - by 81% and 73% respectively - demonstrating the recent volatility.
  • In contrast, rates increased on key Europe-bound routes: Shanghai to Rotterdam rose 12% to $3,171, while Shanghai to Genoa edged up 1% to $4,075 per 40-foot container.
  • Despite recent fluctuations, market analysts expect downward pressure on spot rates in the second half of 2025 as the supply-demand balance weakens. The trajectory of rates will likely hinge on developments around US tariff enforcement and any resulting changes in capacity deployment.
                              
 
  • Drewry's Intra-Asia Container Index (IACI) rose by 8% in the first half of June, reaching $707 per 40ft container as of 15 June 2025. This follows a 7% decline in May and reflects renewed upward pressure on regional spot rates.
  • Despite the recent increase, the IACI remains 27% lower than the same period last year, pointing to a broader softening in year-on-year rate levels across intra-Asia markets.
  • Drewry attributes the current uptrend to port congestion, shifting trade flows, and uncertainty surrounding US tariff impacts - factors that may continue to influence pricing momentum in the short term.
                                         
           
FOR AUSTRALIA
  • COSCO will introduce a Rate Restoration effective 1 July 2025 of USD 300 per TEU and USD 600 per FEU for all southbound shipments from both Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia to all ports and points in Australia.
  • ZIM has advised a Rate Restoration of USD 300 per TEU (dry and reefer) effective 1 July 2025 for all export shipments from Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia to Australia.
  • MSC will implement a southbound Rate Restoration of USD 300 per TEU effective 15 July 2025 for all cargo from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan to Australia and New Zealand.
  • ANL will also implement a Rate Restoration on 15 July 2025 at USD 300 per TEU and USD 600 per FEU (dry and reefer) for all shipments from Northeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand. This will be in addition to current Spot/FAK rates and subject to applicable surcharges at time of shipment.
  • ANL has announced a General Rate Increase (GRI) effective 23 July 2025 for all shipments from Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Gulf to PNG, Gladstone, and Townsville. The GRI will be USD 400 per TEU (dry and reefer) and USD 800 per FEU (dry, high cube, and reefer).
  • ANL and CMA CGM, effective 23 June 2025, introducing new export booking requirements to improve container stock management. Export customers must now indicate a "Required Date (REQD)" for empty container pickup at the time of booking.         
  • Hutchinson Ports Terminal Access Charges (TAC) increased as of the month of June                        
Shipping Line Financial Results
  • All lines have reported for Q1. Q2 results to follow when available.

Supply / Demand

  • Supply:
    • Capacity Outlook:
Global port congestion has escalated further in June, with nearly every major container hub now experiencing delays. Rotterdam, Ningbo-Zhoushan, and Cape Town are reporting wait times of up to 10 days, while yard utilisation in Singapore has hit 85%. In northern Europe, strikes and low Rhine River levels continue to impact barge traffic. In Asia, pre-tariff export surges are overwhelming Chinese ports. Durban and Cape Town remain gridlocked as Red Sea spillover and weather disruptions worsen.
 
A key indicator of future freight demand is flashing red. Despite hopes of a strong peak season after U.S.–China tariff talks, empty container exports out of Los Angeles and Long Beach suggest otherwise. With no rush to reposition empties back to Asia and 49 blank sailings now scheduled through August, carriers are holding back capacity. Port of LA import volumes in May were 25% below forecast, and local labour impacts are already being felt. Until tariffs ease or deals are finalised, trade flows look set to remain sluggish.

The Shanghai–Sydney Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) has hovered around the USD 1,500/FEU mark for the past two months, reaching USD 1,490/FEU in Week 25 — up from USD 1,372/FEU the previous week. For context, back in Week 1 of 2025, the index stood at USD 4,294/FEU.

On the Asia–Europe trade, rates remain stable despite persistent port congestion at major transshipment hubs. As of early June, freight rates from North Asia to Northern Europe edged up slightly to USD 2,500/FEU, while rates to the Mediterranean held steady at USD 4,400/FEU. Congestion continues to delay vessel schedules and increase transit times, prompting some service adjustments. While carriers are signalling possible mid-June general rate increases, market sentiment remains cautious, with many expecting only modest spot market strengthening as capacity shifts toward the transpacific.

As vessel supply continues to grow and demand remains uncertain due to geopolitical tensions, labour shortages, and frontloading effects, capacity is expected to stay uneven and volatile across regions heading into the summer peak. Carriers have so far managed to cushion the impact through swift service reinstatements and fleet redeployments, but an extended tariff conflict or worsening port congestion could strain even the most adaptable networks.
  • Demand:
    • Global Trade Outlook:
Trade tensions and policy uncertainty are casting a long shadow over the global economy. The World Bank now projects global GDP to slow to 2.3% in 2025 , the weakest non-recessionary pace since 2008, with growth forecasts downgraded in nearly 70% of countries.
 
While a global recession is not expected, this slowdown marks the softest start to any decade since the 1960s. Developing economies, once seen as the engines of global growth, are especially affected. Growth outside of Asia is decelerating sharply, and global trade expansion has slowed to under 3%, well below historical norms. Inflation remains elevated, driven by rising tariffs and tight labour markets.

                                  
 
The OECD echoes this downbeat sentiment. Global growth is now forecast to fall from 3.3% in 2024 to 2.9% in both 2025 and 2026, with sharp slowdowns in the U.S., China, and Canada. While inflation is moderating overall, pricing pressures linked to tariff hikes and supply chain frictions are persisting longer than expected.

Going against the global trend Australia is actually showing an increase in momentum over the next two years, with growth projections nudging upward.
 
For shipping and logistics, this suggests a continued drag on demand, fewer incoming orders, and further strain on confidence-sensitive sectors. The potential for recovery hinges on the resolution of key trade disputes and renewed investment in global cooperation — but for now, caution prevails.    
  • Regional Trade Trends:
    • Asia–Oceania services continue to face pressure from excess capacity and weak consumer demand, keeping rates flat.  As carriers start to even out the capacity in the transpacific trade, carriers will have to look to methods like blank sailings to keep rates stable.
    • The transatlantic trade is seeing a decline after tariff pause frontloading.
    •  Transatlantic & Asia–Oceania Rates remained steady with consistent demand.
    • China–Mediterranean rates held increased in the past month, showing stability and strong bookings.
    •  Asia – Europe
      Despite weak economic growth across much of Europe, Asia–Europe container trade remains strong, with volumes up 17% over two years. Freight rates rose 12% from Shanghai to Rotterdam, and 1% to to Genoa. Carriers have shifted around 17% of capacity from this market so it is hoped that rates will hold or increase.
    •  Transpacific (China – U.S.)
      After bookings surged in the past month following the tariff pause, the National Retail Federation's Global Port Tracker forecasts a mixed outlook for U.S. containerized imports. June to August is expected to remain active as shippers capitalize on the temporary relief, but a steep drop is forecast for the back half of the year. September volumes are projected to decline 21.8% year-over-year, followed by a 19.8% drop in October - suggesting that recent gains may be short-lived amid ongoing trade uncertainty.
    • Near-Term Market Sentiment:
      • Market sentiment has turned more cautious in June, following the sharp booking surge seen in May after the temporary rollback of US–China tariffs. While the initial rush drove transpacific volumes dramatically higher, bookings from China to the U.S. have since eased, with forecasts pointing to a significant downturn ahead — September imports are projected to fall 21.8% year-over-year, with October down 19.8%. Europe continues to grapple with heavy port congestion, and mounting tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are keeping the industry on edge. Despite some short-term rate stability, the combination of declining volumes and geopolitical risk is fuelling uncertainty as peak season approaches.
      • Key risks:
        • Port Congestion: Bottlenecks at major ports - exacerbated by labor shortages, inland delays, geopolitical tensions, and weather disruptions—are extending transit times and adding cost pressure as the peak season approaches.
        • Capacity Imbalances: Frequent vessel shifts between the transpacific and other trades may disrupt schedules and reduce service reliability on secondary routes
        • Tariff Talk Breakdowns: Two weeks out from the U.S.'s "Liberation Day" tariff deadline, most key trade negotiations are still unresolved. While the UK has a basic agreement in place, talks with the EU, India, Japan, and others are stalling, mainly over auto, steel, and agricultural goods. China remains in a fragile truce through mid-August. Countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand are pushing hard to secure exemptions, while Canada and Mexico are seeking steel tariff relief. With court challenges and political unpredictability in play, uncertainty is growing — and many exporters risk facing steep new U.S. tariffs as early as July 9.
 
  • Australian Border Force (ABF) Cargo Reporting Data for May 2025 saw year-on-year growth, with both air and sea cargo reporting higher than 2024:
    • Sea Cargo:
      • Up 4% year-on-year 
      • Slight decrease compared to April
    • Air Cargo
      • Up 16% year-on-year. 
      • Slight increase compared to April.
    • Total Cargo Reports (Air + Sea): 
      • 14 million cargo reports lodged in May 
      • Up 16% year-on-year. 
    Geopolitical Issues

                              
  • US Shipping Update
US Tariff - Latest Impacts With just two weeks until President Trump's self-imposed July 9 "Liberation Day" tariff deadline, global trade partners are scrambling to secure deals and avoid steep hikes from the current 10% baseline. So far, only the UK has formalized an agreement—though it leaves key issues unresolved, including 25% steel duties—while China's fragile tariff truce holds through mid-August. Most negotiations are lagging, with talks with the EU, Japan, India, and South Korea facing major sticking points, from auto tariffs to agricultural access. Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia are pushing to finalize frameworks, and countries like Mexico and Canada are racing to secure exemptions amid broader trade tensions. Legal uncertainty and rushed negotiations have left businesses front-loading shipments or hoping for extensions as Washington weighs progress country by country. Despite intense diplomatic activity, the outcome remains highly uncertain with global supply chains bracing for potential disruption.
  • All Far East–US West Coast transpacific services that were withdrawn in April and May have now been fully reinstated, following a temporary rebound in cargo demand driven by the 90-day tariff pause. However, with volumes expected to taper off, service adjustments may follow.
  • However, volumes at the Port of Long Beach declined in May, with total throughput down 8.2% year-on-year and imports falling 13.4%, as shippers pulled back ahead of the looming tariff deadline.
  • All of the Far East-US west coast transpacific services that were withdrawn in April and May will be fully re-instated following the rebound in cargo demand due to the 90 day tariff pause.
  • China's exports rose 6.3% year-on-year in May, reflecting modest growth despite manufacturing headwinds and ongoing trade pressures, according to China Briefing.
  • Importers are shifting supply chains toward Southeast Asia.
  • US Trade Deals
With just two weeks until the July 9 tariff deadline, many US trade partners are rushing to secure deals to avoid higher tariffs. Only the UK has a formal agreement, while talks with China, the EU, Japan, India, and others face major hurdles. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, and Canada are also negotiating amid legal uncertainty. Businesses are accelerating shipments amid hopes for deadline extensions, but the final outcome remains uncertain, putting global supply chains at risk.
  • Straight of Homuz
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply on June 23 amid escalating tensions from the Israel-Iran conflict and recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Daily vessel transits fell to 91 (49 eastbound, 42 westbound), well below the June average of 114 and the recent high of 147. The decline was driven by Iran's threat to close the strait in retaliation, persistent GPS disruptions affecting navigation, and shipowners avoiding the area due to security concerns. Although Iran targeted a U.S. base in Qatar, no casualties occurred, and a ceasefire was declared shortly after. Despite the ceasefire, the region remains volatile, with maritime security agencies keeping threat levels elevated. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint, handling about 20% of global oil trade, so reduced traffic reflects the broader risk of geopolitical conflict impacting global energy supply and shipping stability.

                  
  • India – Pakistan Relationship
    • Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to disrupt regional trade, with reciprocal bans on imports, exports, and vessel access severely impacting cargo flows and supply chains. Meanwhile, diplomatic friction has risen following US President Donald Trump's claim that he personally brokered a ceasefire during the recent conflict—a claim firmly denied by Indian officials, who emphasize that India rejects US mediation. This dispute, alongside other US actions such as hosting Pakistan's army chief, has strained India-US relations amid ongoing trade negotiations and geopolitical sensitivities. Despite these challenges, both countries maintain a complex partnership, with India navigating a cautious diplomatic path while balancing domestic public opinion and strategic interests.
  • Red Sea Shipping Update: The Suez Canal welcomed its first large containership in over a year on June 18, signaling efforts to restore confidence after months of security disruptions in the Red Sea. Despite CMA CGM's limited transit and a new 15% fee discount to attract more mega-ships, carriers remain cautious due to ongoing risks, high insurance costs, and threats from the Houthis. The decline in traffic has severely impacted Egypt's economy, with President Al-Sisi estimating $800 million in monthly losses and a $7 billion revenue shortfall in 2024.
  • Route Diversions Continue: The Cape of Good Hope remains the preferred alternative, significantly extending voyage times and operational costs for Asia–Europe services.
  • Supply Chain Disruption Persists: Delays and higher costs from rerouted voyages continue to affect global supply chains, with vessel and container shortages expected to persist through the summer.
Shipping Competition
  • China's Cosco in Talks to Join Consortium Buying Li Ka-shing's Global Ports: China's largest shipping company, China Cosco Shipping Corp., is reportedly in discussions to invest in a multinational consortium led by Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte's Terminal Investment Ltd. to acquire billionaire Li Ka-shing's global port assets. The move aims to ease Beijing's concerns over the deal, which includes two strategic Panama Canal ports and has faced strong Chinese opposition due to its potential impact on China's global shipping ambitions. The consortium also involves US firm BlackRock and others. While talks continue amid geopolitical tensions between China and the US, the deal could net Li's CK Hutchison Holdings more than $19 billion. However, regulatory and competition issues remain, and the transaction's completion by late July is uncertain.
  • X-Press Feeders and COSCO Partner, Potentially Sidestepping USTR TariffsX-Press Feeders, the world's largest independent common carrier, has signed partnership and leasing agreements with China's COSCO, the fourth largest container line, to enhance network coverage and coordinate mainline-feeder operations across key global regions. The deal includes granting COSCO first option to charter newbuild vessels from X-Press Feeders, potentially supporting joint services. This collaboration not only aims to improve shipping efficiency but could also be a strategic move to circumvent US trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
                  
  • QVC and Cornerstone File $20M FMC Complaint Against ONE Over Contract Breaches
    QVC and Cornerstone Brands have lodged a formal complaint with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission against Ocean Network Express (ONE), alleging it failed to uphold service contracts during the 2021–2022 shipping surge. The companies claim ONE moved less than half of the agreed volumes, forcing them onto the costly spot market and racking up over $18 million in extra freight costs. The complaint also accuses ONE of imposing surcharges and unjust detention and demurrage fees, totaling nearly $1.8 million. The case, filed under FMC Docket No. 25-09, seeks reparations and regulatory action against what the shippers call systemic and unreasonable carrier conduct. 
Mergers/Acquisitions
  • ACCC Decision on Proposed Acquisition Still Pending as July 10 Deadline Nears: The ACCC has now amended its timeline and is expected to release its findings on 10 July 2025, with the date rapidly approaching. This follows an earlier delay, where the initial decision date of 5 June 2025 was pushed back as the ACCC sought additional information in line with its Informal Merger Review Process Guidelines.
Schedule Reliability

                                  
  • Global Schedule Reliability Hits 14-Month High Despite Ongoing Blank Sailings
    • Global schedule reliability improved significantly in May, reaching 56.3%, an 8.2-point rise from April and 6.1 points higher than the previous year, marking the best performance since March 2024. Average arrival delays decreased, with late vessels delayed by 4.2 days and all vessels by 1.6 days. All major trade routes showed positive gains, with the Mediterranean/Black Sea to South America and North America to South America trades leading in reliability. Ten of eleven trade lanes improved year-on-year, despite notable blank sailings on key Asia-North America and Transatlantic routes affecting capacity
  • Important Caveat:
    Although reliability scores are on the rise, the market remains guarded. Vessel rerouting - especially around the Cape of Good Hope - and ongoing geopolitical tensions could swiftly undermine progress if capacity and scheduling are not carefully managed.
                                


Cancellations - Blank sailings Decline
  • Global: Between weeks 26 (23–29 June) and 30 (21–27 July), 49 sailings are expected cancelled out of 717 scheduled across key East–West trades, a 7% cancellation rate—slightly up from last month's 6%, but showing ongoing schedule stabilization. Most cancellations will be on the Transpacific eastbound route (47%), followed by Asia–North Europe & Mediterranean (35%) and Transatlantic westbound (18%). Spot rates on the Transpacific have fallen sharply, while Asia–Europe/Med rates rose modestly. Despite geopolitical risks, container flows remain stable for now.

  • Transpacific Eastbound: 47% of all cancellations (down from 51% previously)
  • Asia–North Europe & Med: Asia–North Europe & Mediterranean blank sailings make up 35% of upcoming cancellations, with spot rates rising 5% week-on-week due to tightening capacity and early peak season demand.

                                                                                                                                                                         SOURCE: DREWRY                     
  • The slight rise in blank sailings reflects carriers adjusting to mixed demand trends, with the Transpacific eastbound route experiencing a 20% drop in spot rates recently as capacity outpaces slowing demand. Drewry's World Container Index fell 7% WoW to $3,279 as of 19 June, driven by a 14% dip in Transpacific rates, while Asia–Europe/Med rates climbed 5%. Schedule reliability is improving, with 93% of weekly departures expected to run on time, though capacity constraints persist amid equipment imbalances and ongoing port congestion. With the peak season approaching and market volatility continuing, shippers are advised to plan proactively and maintain strong carrier partnerships.
  • Australia:
    On the China - Australia trade, June's data shows 13 blank sailings out of 128 scheduled, reflecting a cancellation rate of around 10% - an increase of May's that was just under 5%.    The rise in blank sailings suggests a softening in demand or ongoing efforts by carriers to manage capacity and stabilise freight rates. It also highlights the continued volatility in the trade lane, with potential implications for schedule reliability and planning for importers and exporters alike.

    Orderbook / Scrapping

In an industry traditionally driven by efficiency, sustainability is rapidly becoming the key focus. According to Alphaliner, the containership fleet is poised for significant growth and transformation, with 840 vessels totaling over 9.14 million TEUs on order and deliveries peaking in 2027. Notably, 36% of these are large vessels exceeding 14,000 TEUs, and the average ship size now surpasses 10,900 TEUs. The real game-changer, however, is the shift toward greener fuels: in 2025, 42% of new ships will be equipped to run on alternative fuels—primarily LNG (44%), methanol (38%), and others like ammonia (18%). Leading this transition are top operators such as MSC, CMA CGM, and Evergreen, with China State Shipbuilding Corp spearheading construction. This marks the beginning of a new era where maritime logistics balances high performance with environmental responsibility.
                                          
  • Singapore-based, Japanese-owned Ocean Network Express (ONE) is reportedly the buyer behind HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' recent $1.76 billion order for eight 15,900 TEU containerships, according to newbuilding sources.
  • COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers has signed a $310 million deal with Bank of Communications Financial Leasing to bareboat charter six 60,000 dwt heavylift vessels for about 16 years, expanding its fleet to meet growing demand for specialized cargo transport.
  • South Korea's top shipyard has secured $8.3 billion in containership orders
  • Japan seeks to double shipbuilding output by 2030
  • Scrapping Remains Slow
    • The week saw minimal movement in ship recycling markets, with conditions staying mostly steady and sentiment remaining subdued, even as the maritime industry prepares for the approaching enforcement date of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) on June 26, 2025, which will require shipowners to comply with new standards for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling, prompting a focus on compliance readiness and the impact on recycling yards.
                           
      
Sustainability
  • ONE Advances Sustainable Shipping with New Green Ship Recycling Policy
    Ocean Network Express (ONE) has launched a comprehensive Green Ship Recycling Policy ahead of the Hong Kong Convention's enforcement on June 26, 2025. Committed to responsible vessel end-of-life management, ONE will recycle ships exclusively at certified facilities that meet international standards, including HKC and EU regulations. As part of its 'Clean Ship Recycling' initiative, ONE also joined the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative (SRTI), emphasizing strict oversight through audits and yard visits to ensure environmental protection, safety, and human rights compliance. This move reinforces ONE's dedication to sustainability across its fleet of over 260 vessels.

    Shipping Industry Gears Up for Net-Zero Transformation
    The global shipping sector is preparing for a sweeping net-zero transformation driven by new IMO regulations on ship fuels and emissions set for adoption in October 2025. Industry leaders emphasize that beyond regulations, significant investments are needed to develop alternative fuels, upgrade port infrastructure, and upskill the maritime workforce. Early movers have already invested heavily in low- and zero-emission ships, but scaling clean fuel production remains a critical challenge. The IMO Net-Zero Framework will enforce mandatory global fuel standards and emission pricing, signalling a decisive shift toward sustainable shipping and requiring coordinated efforts across the entire maritime ecosystem.
     

Terminal and Port Update 
  • Duqm Port Expansion and Green Hydrogen Project
    Investcorp Aberdeen has joined a consortium to lead a $550 million expansion of Duqm's port, supporting green hydrogen production for low-carbon iron and future green steel manufacturing powered by Omani renewable energy.
  • CMA CGM Plans Multi-Billion Euro Investment in Algeria
    CMA CGM is set to launch a multi-billion euro investment program in Algeria to strengthen its presence in the North African market and expand trade routes to sub-Saharan Africa, according to media reports.
  • MSC Opens MEDLOG Inland Terminal Paris-Bruyères
  • MSC officially launched its new MEDLOG Inland Terminal Paris-Bruyères on June 4, a multimodal logistics hub linking the port of Le Havre to inland Europe via road, rail, and barge. Located 40 km north of Paris, the 11-hectare terminal offers container services, refrigerated storage, and breakbulk handling, with an annual capacity of over 100,000 TEUs, enhancing supply chain efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in the Île-de-France region.
  • CMA CGM Advances Port Investment Plans in Algeria
    CMA CGM is progressing with its strategic port investments in Algeria, focusing on modernizing key facilities in Oran and Djen Djen to support the country's push for economic diversification beyond oil and gas. After a delayed meeting due to diplomatic tensions, CEO Rodolphe Saadé emphasized CMA CGM's commitment to developing Algerian ports into regional hubs, including plans to lease and expand Oran's container terminal to over one million TEUs capacity, and possibly launch a feeder service between Marseille and Oran to enhance Mediterranean connectivity.
  • DP World Trade Finance and J.P. Morgan Partner to Boost Working Capital in Emerging Markets
    DP World Trade Finance and J.P. Morgan have joined forces to address the $2.5 trillion global trade finance gap by improving access to affordable working capital in emerging markets, where supply chain disruptions and limited credit hinder growth. Their collaboration, which includes risk-sharing on trade finance deals, has already unlocked over $70 million in procurement funding for a major food company sourcing cocoa from Ivory Coast, and aims to expand financing solutions across regions like Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • DHL to Invest $570M in Middle East Expansion by 2030
  • DHL is investing over $570 million in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to expand infrastructure, fleets, and services across express delivery, freight forwarding, and e-commerce. The move targets rising trade in the Gulf, strengthening regional logistics and cross-border connectivity, with a focus on growth in e-commerce, energy, and healthcare sectors.
  • Hutchinson Ports Terminal Access Charges (TAC) increased as of the month of June
  • Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal (FACT) have a MUA stop work meeting on the 1st July
    • Patrick Terminals

      • Brisbane: Delays approx. 0 - 1 day 
      • Fremantle: Delays approx. 0 - 1 days
      • Sydney: Delays approx. 1 - 2 days
      • Melbourne: Delays approx. 1 - 2 days
    • DP World Terminals
      • Brisbane: Delays approx. 0.5 - 1 day
        • Still issues with outages
      • Fremantle: Delays approx. 0 - 1 days
      • Sydney: Delays approx. 1 - 2 days
      • Melbourne: Delays approx. 1 - 2 days
    • VICT
      • Melbourne: Delays approx. 0.5 day
    • Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal (FACT)
      • Note MUA stop work meeting on the 1st July 
      • Adelaide: Delays approx. 0.5 day
    • AAT
      • Brisbane: Working with minimal delays.
      • Port Kembla: Working with minimal delays.
      • Melbourne - Appleton Dock: Working with minimal delays.
      • Melbourne - Webb Dock (formerly MIRRAT): Working with minimal delays.
    • New Zealand 
      • Auckland: minimal delays approx. 0.5 - 1 day
      • Tauranga: minimal delays approx. 0.5 - 1 days
      • Napier: minimal delays approx. 0.5 - 1 day
      • Lyttleton: minimal delays approx. 0.5 - 1 day  
                                         
    Container Throughput 
    • Analysts have downgraded the 2025 global shipping outlook to "deteriorating", citing weaker demand, especially in container and dry bulk sectors.
    • Container shipping profits are expected to drop sharply, with flat or declining volumes and a 6% rise in fleet capacity likely to outpace demand.
    Global Port Congestion Hotspots
    • Shanghai, Ningbo are still facing severe congestion with around 114 vessels at anchorage.
    • Qingdao is seeing a 1.31 queue to berth ratio
    • In Europe, Antwerp, Hamburg/Bremerhaven, Rotterdam and Gibraltar are continuing to see significant congestion issues.  
    • Singapore is remains in the top five of congested ports
    • Busan enters the top ten with around 16 vessels anchored
                                     
        
     
    Equipment
    • Empty container exports from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach remain subdued, indicating weak backhaul demand and limited urgency to reposition containers to Asia. Unlike the pandemic surge, when empties were rushed back to meet soaring export needs, current volumes suggest slower trade momentum and ongoing imbalances in global container flows
    • Exporters from Australia are noting some equipment shortages from all lines with reefer containers especially hard to come by.  ANL have introduced a new system where you will need to give the preferred date to pickup your empty at time of booking.
    Enterprise Agreements 
    • Local Enterprise Agreements - 
      • There are still no updates from VICT regarding their negotiations with the unions on a new enterprise agreement, leaving the possibility of short-term industrial action unchanged.
          
                        
     
    Global Air Freight  
    • Spot Rates
      Global average spot rates remained broadly stable at US$2.41/kg, just -1% below the same week last year.
      • Asia Pacific: Spot rates to the US fell -2% WoW; from Hong Kong, rates dropped -6% WoW.
      • MESA: Rates fell -4% WoW and are now -22% YoY — the steepest global decline.
      • Global spot prices held at US$2.59/kg (spot only), down -2% YoY.
    • Tonnage
      Global chargeable weight was stable overall, with Asia Pacific the only region to post WoW growth (+2%).
      • Asia Pacific to US: +6% WoW, recovering from a -10% decline the week prior.
      • China outbound: +3% WoW, driven by +5% growth from Shanghai.
      • South Korea: +15% WoW rebound post-Memorial Day.
      • MESA: Overall tonnages down -9% WoW, with South Asia hit hardest (-13% WoW).
        • Bangladesh: -43% WoW
        • Pakistan: -30% WoW
        • UAE: +15% WoW, led by sharp increases to Africa and intra-Gulf markets.
    • Market Trends
    • The US–China tariff rollercoaster continues to drive market volatility, with companies ramping up airfreight to bypass potential cost hikes.
    • Strong demand from e-commerce and tech sectors helped lift Asia–Europe and Transpacific volumes back to pre-April levels.
    • China and Hong Kong volumes to both markets are nearing 2024 peak-season highs.
    • Year-to-date growth has been led by Asia Pacific origins, especially China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
    • Intra-Asia-Pacific traffic is up 13% YoY (YTD April), while Europe–North America grew 8% and Asia Pacific–North America rose 3%.
    • Capacity
    • Capacity remains tight, with demand projected to outpace supply growth in 2025 (4–6% vs. 3–4%), amid ongoing aircraft production delays.
                                                
                              
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      Amanda Bradfield - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA

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