SHIPPING diversions and new surcharges are already generating additional costs for Australian exporters as shipping companies react to heightened conflict in the Middle East, according to Australia's Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA).

The joint FTA-APSA statement said the Middle East remains an important trade and logistics partner, with the United Arab Emirates Australia's largest trade partner in the region, and a critical logistics hub for Australian cargo moving onward to Europe, Africa and South Asia.

"The operational impacts are clear — reduced air cargo capacity through hub closures, extended sea-freight routings and increased schedule volatility," FTA general manager freight policy and operations and representative of the APSA Tom Jensen said.

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Grain Central - Middle East conflict sparks slew of shipping charges