1 October 2025

Hello from the VoxGroup team,

As we close out September, we’d like to remind you that VoxGroup offers full 3PL and linehaul capabilities out of Melbourne, helping you move goods seamlessly from port to warehouse. Whether you’re importing machinery, consumer goods, or perishables, our team is here to support your supply chain with precision and care.

Here’s what’s been happening globally and locally over the past two weeks that may affect your importing and exporting operations.

European Port Congestion: Latest Causes and Impacts

Ports across Europe—particularly Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven—are facing severe congestion due to:

• Surging inbound cargo from Asia ahead of Golden Week.
• High yard utilisation, with terminals nearing full capacity.
• Equipment shortages and last-minute container unavailability.
• Rail disruptions in Hamburg due to closures and maintenance.

Carriers are rerouting vessels to less congested terminals, but delays and cost pressures are expected to persist through Q4.

Airspace Restrictions in Europe: Security-Driven Closures

Airspace restrictions have intensified due to suspected Russian drone incursions:

• Temporary shutdowns at Copenhagen and Aalborg airports.
• Violations reported in Estonia, Poland, and Romania, prompting NATO’s Operation Eastern Sentry.

These events have led to flight rerouting and reduced airfreight capacity from Eastern and Northern Europe.

Space Constraints for Shipping & Airfreight into Australia

Sea Freight

• Golden Week in China (starting 1 October) has led to early vessel full bookings and rolled shipments.
• Peak Season Surcharges and General Rate Increases are in effect for Asia–Australia routes.
• Port congestion in Sydney and Melbourne is causing delays, with limited berthing windows and increased dwell times.

Airfreight

• Bellyhold space remains tight due to strong demand for perishables and e-commerce.
• Freighter capacity is constrained by aircraft shortages and rerouting due to European airspace restrictions.
• Importers are facing limited lift availability, especially from Hong Kong, Germany, and the UK.

Sydney & Melbourne Port Congestion: Localised Delays

Sydney

• Empty container parks are at capacity, with some depots refusing dehires.
• Industrial action and weather events have disrupted operations.
• Congestion surcharges have been introduced by some carriers.

Melbourne

• Berth wait times have reached up to 5.7 days.
• Webb Dock West is operating near full capacity without direct rail access.
• Labour shortages and upstream delays are contributing to vessel bunching.

UAE–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Australia and the UAE have elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with CEPA entering into force on 1 October 2025.

Key highlights include:

• Reduced tariffs
• Strengthened air connectivity and logistics.

Global Trade Policy Uncertainty

Recent shifts in US and Chinese trade policies are reshaping global supply chains:

• Tariff changes and de minimis rule adjustments are prompting rerouting through Vietnam and Bangladesh.
• Blank sailings and schedule changes are being implemented to manage excess capacity.
• Freight rates are fluctuating due to demand and space constraints.

Current Freight Rate Trends into Australia

Here’s a snapshot of current freight rate movements from key regions:

• Europe: Rates are rising slightly due to port congestion and equipment shortages.
• USA East Coast: Rates from New York have dipped recently but remain volatile.
• USA West Coast: Rates from Los Angeles have dropped after a sharp rise earlier in the quarter.
• India: Rates are stable but trending upward due to increased demand and limited vessel space.
• China: Carriers have implemented rate restorations and peak season surcharges. Rates are expected to remain high through October due to Golden Week.
• Hong Kong: Rates have increased slightly, with airfreight spot prices rising due to space constraints and rerouting.

Overall, freight rates are volatile but trending upward across most lanes into Australia, driven by seasonal demand, geopolitical uncertainty, and capacity shifts.

Thank you for staying informed with VoxGroup.

We’re here to help you navigate these developments and keep your cargo moving. 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.

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

And for everyone enjoying a long weekend — stay safe, relax, and we look forward to reconnecting next week.

Warm regards,
The VoxGroup Team