15 October 2025

Hello from the VoxGroup team!

We hope you’re well as we head into the final quarter of the year. With Christmas fast approaching, many of you are finalising your seasonal shipments. A quick reminder: VoxGroup offers full 3PL and linehaul capabilities out of Melbourne, ideal for importers looking to streamline their supply chain and avoid peak season bottlenecks.

Here’s what’s been happening over the past fortnight that may directly affect your importing operations.

Tariff Advice Turnaround Times

The Australian Border Force has confirmed that formal Tariff Advice turnaround times have currently extended to 90+ days. Importers are strongly encouraged to submit applications early and ensure all supporting documentation is complete. This is particularly important for new product lines or seasonal goods being planned for pre-Christmas arrival.

Singapore Transhipment & Rolled Cargo Delays

Singapore remains a critical transhipment hub for Australian-bound cargo, but current conditions are causing significant disruptions:

• Rolled Cargo: Due to vessel overbooking and congestion, a growing number of containers are being rolled to later sailings. Rolled cargo from Singapore is currently experiencing delays of 4–6 days, and in some cases, containers are being rolled multiple times before departure.
• Missed Vessels: When cargo misses its scheduled vessel in Singapore, the delay can extend significantly. Depending on the frequency of sailings and carrier availability, importers may face delays of up to 14 days before the next suitable vessel departs.
• Dwell Times: Average container dwell time at PSA Singapore terminals has increased to 27 hours, contributing to slower cargo movement and longer turnaround times for transhipped goods.
• Berthing Delays: Vessels are facing waiting times of up to 7 days for berthing slots. This backlog is contributing to vessel bunching and delayed transhipment schedules for cargo destined for Australia.
• Carrier Response: Some carriers have begun skipping Singapore port calls, rerouting through alternative hubs such as Port Klang or Laem Chabang. While this may reduce delays for some shipments, it introduces uncertainty and potential re-routing costs for importers.

Airfreight Update: Space Constraints & Stats

Airfreight into Australia remains under pressure. Here’s what you need to know:

• Sydney handles nearly 50% of all airfreight volume, with Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth sharing the remainder.
• Peak season space is already tight, especially from Europe and North Asia. Carriers are prioritising high-value and time-sensitive cargo, leaving general freight bookings vulnerable to delays.
• Average delays are currently 1–2 days, with rerouting around Middle Eastern airspace contributing to longer transit times.
• Airfreight rates are expected to rise by 10–15% through November and December due to fuel surcharges, capacity constraints, and increased demand.
• Booking windows are narrowing: Importers are advised to book airfreight at least 2–3 weeks in advance and consider hybrid sea-air solutions for urgent shipments.

Geopolitical Impacts on Imports

• Red Sea Diversions: Ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continue to disrupt global shipping. Most major carriers are rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10–14 days to transit times. These diversions are increasing fuel costs, insurance premiums, and causing scheduling delays for cargo bound for Australia.
• Russia–Ukraine Conflict: While direct trade with Russia remains limited, the conflict continues to influence global fuel prices and commodity costs. Australia’s extended tariffs on Russian goods and broader supply chain instability are contributing to higher transport costs and inflationary pressure.

China–Australia Trade: A New Phase of Opportunity

The China–Australia trade relationship has stabilised and is evolving toward new sectors:

• Critical Minerals: Australia’s lithium and rare earth exports are seeing double-digit growth, supporting China’s electric vehicle and renewable energy industries.
• Sustainable Solutions: Australian clean energy technologies and ESG-compliant products are gaining traction in China’s urban markets.

With the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) marking its tenth anniversary this December, bilateral trade is expected to deepen across these emerging sectors.

Freight Rate Update – October 2025

Global freight rates continue to shift, with carriers adjusting capacity and schedules to manage demand and protect margins. Here’s what importers need to know:

Asia to Australia

• Rates from China to Australia have eased slightly compared to September, with spot pricing around 18% lower.
• From 15 October, COSCO, ANL, and MSC have implemented rate restorations of AUD $300/TEU and AUD $600/FEU.
• Booking fees of AUD $120 per container now apply for cancellations, rollovers, or reductions within 10 days of cut-off (ANL & CMA CGM).

USA to Australia

• West Coast (USWC) rates are softening, with spot rates down 5–6% month-on-month. Equipment shortages and seasonal demand are causing moderate delays.
• East Coast (USEC) rates remain steady but elevated, with average delays of 4–5 days due to port congestion and weather-related disruptions.

Europe to Australia

• Rates from Rotterdam and Genoa to Australia are down 9–10% year-on-year, returning to pre–Red Sea crisis levels. However, vessel bunching and port congestion are causing dwell time increases at key European hubs.

UK to Australia

• Rates are stable but unpredictable, with carriers managing space tightly. Importers should expect short-notice schedule changes and limited availability for spot bookings.

Hong Kong & Southeast Asia to Australia

• Rates are starting to climb, especially for direct services from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Smaller vessel sizes and less frequent sailings are contributing to rollover risks and transhipment delays.

Container Type Trends

• LCL (Less than Container Load): Rates remain stable, but handling delays are increasing at transhipment hubs. LCL is still viable for small shipments, but importers should factor in extra time for consolidation and deconsolidation.
• 20′ FCL: Rates have dropped noticeably from September, offering cost-effective options for medium-volume shipments. However, space guarantees are limited, and rollovers are common for non-contract bookings.
• 40′ FCL: Rates are also down, but transit times are lengthening due to blank sailings and vessel bunching. Importers should book 3–4 weeks in advance to secure space and avoid peak season surcharges.

International Holiday Impacts Before Christmas

• Thanksgiving (USA – 27 November): Expect reduced courier operations and delays in US-origin shipments around this date.
• Christmas Cut-Offs: Most couriers globally will cease operations between 25–27 December. Early cut-offs apply from 22–24 December in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. Importers should finalise shipments by mid-December to avoid missing delivery windows.
• New Year Closures: Expect limited port and customs activity from 31 December to 2 January, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Thank you for reading!

At VoxGroup, we understand the challenges importers face—especially during peak season. Whether you’re coordinating shipments, navigating customs, or managing logistics across borders, our team is here to make things easier, clearer, and more efficient for you.

Feel free to contact Rob, Mike or Rosalie for tailored advice or assistance.

VoxGroup is a market-leading international trade consultancy, customs and logistics company.
For further information contact us on (02) 8036-8450 or send us a message via www.voxgroup.com.au