For Australian Importers & Exporters | 2–17 September 2025

👋 Hello from the VoxGroup team,

We hope you’re well. The past fortnight has brought a mix of global and local developments that may affect your import/export operations. From port congestion and rate fluctuations to geopolitical tensions and biosecurity updates, here’s what you need to know to keep your supply chain moving smoothly.

📦 Reminder: VoxGroup offers full 3PL and linehaul capabilities out of Melbourne. Whether you’re moving pallets or full containers, our team is ready to support your logistics end-to-end.

🚢 Singapore Port Update – Transhipment & Backlog Status

As of 12 September, Singapore is operating under moderate congestion, with average port dwell times of 1 day. This marks a significant improvement from earlier in the year. However, 51% of shipments still arrive off-schedule, largely due to vessel bunching and rerouting from global disruptions.

Key points:

• Transhipment cargo is experiencing delays of 1–2 days.
• Additional berths at Tuas Terminal, and reopened berths at Keppel and Tanjong Pagar, have helped ease congestion.
• Some shipments are being rolled to later vessels due to space constraints.
• Importers should continue to factor in buffer time for cargo routed via Singapore.

⚓ Australian Port Operations

Sydney

• Currently experiencing 6-day delays, placing it in the “Red” zone for congestion.
• On 11 September, strong winds forced the closure of multiple empty container depots, including HLC 40HC Pool and DPLP Yard.
• Redirections and timeslot cancellations have led to futile truck trips and potential detention charges.

Other Ports

• Melbourne: 1-day delay
• Brisbane: 1-day delay
• Fremantle: 3-day delay
• Adelaide: 2-day delay

🌍 Global Shipping Disruptions & Geopolitical Impacts

Red Sea Rerouting

• Most carriers continue to reroute vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10–14 days to transit times.
• This has increased fuel and insurance costs and contributed to congestion at transhipment hubs like Singapore.

India–Pakistan Conflict

• Mutual bans on flagged vessels have shut down transhipment corridors through Mundra and Karachi.
• COSCO and OOCL have suspended services to Pakistan; cargo is being rerouted via Port Klang and Colombo, increasing costs and delays.

Israel–Iran–USA Tensions

• Tensions in the Gulf region are leading to airspace restrictions and higher freight insurance premiums.
• While no direct disruptions to Australian-bound cargo have occurred, expect higher costs and longer lead times for shipments originating in or transiting through the Middle East.

📈 Freight Rate Trends & Forecasts

China

• Rates dipped slightly pre–Golden Week due to early stockpiling.
• Blank sailings expected to tighten space from late September.
• A General Rate Increase (GRI) of $800–$900/FEU is already in effect, with further increases expected from 15 September and 1 October.

USA

• East Coast: Rates fluctuating due to port congestion and reduced bookings.
• West Coast: Rates up 20.95% week-over-week, driven by blank sailings and slot tightening.

UK & Europe

• Rates are volatile due to port congestion and Red Sea rerouting.
• Expect further increases as carriers reduce October capacity.

Hong Kong

• Rates remain stable, but space is tight for airfreight and LCL.

✈️ Airfreight Space Constraints

• Asia & North America: Space remains tight, especially for perishable and high-priority cargo.
• Increased inspections for airfreight from USA and China are causing minor delays at Australian terminals.

🐞 Biosecurity & BMSB Season Updates

• No new countries added to the BMSB high-risk list this fortnight.
• Inspections remain strict—ensure all cargo from listed countries is treated and documented correctly.

📊 Rate Forecast Summary – September Outlook

📬 That’s all for this edition.

We know how important it is to have clear, timely information when planning your shipments. If you’d like to talk through how any of these developments might affect your cargo—or explore alternative routing and booking options—please feel free to reach out.

You’re always welcome to contact Rob, Mike or Rosalie for tailored advice or assistance.

VoxGroup is a market-leading international trade consultancy, customs and logistics company.
📞 Call us on (02) 8036-8450
🌐 Visit www.voxgroup.com.au