28 October 2025 Edition

Welcome from VoxGroup

Dear Clients,
We hope you’re well and ready for the busy end-of-year period. The last two weeks have brought significant developments in trade, logistics, and global events that may affect your importing and exporting operations. As a reminder, VoxGroup offers full 3PL and linehaul capabilities out of Melbourne, ensuring your supply chain runs smoothly.

Trade Agreements & Regulatory Updates

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has confirmed that the waiver of Certificates of Origin under the Australia–UAE CEPA and AANZFTA applies to Approved Exporters only.
An Approved Exporter is authorised by DFAT to self-certify the origin of goods under specific FTAs, allowing faster clearance and reduced paperwork for importers.

Biosecurity Updates

Compliance enforcement remains strict. Several treatment providers have been suspended for failing to meet standards. Importers should confirm that suppliers comply with approved arrangements to avoid costly delays.

Port & Wharf Disruptions

• Singapore transhipment delays continue, with dwell times averaging 3–4 days.
• Sea freight rollovers are occurring at major hubs and origin ports in China, adding 5–10 days per occurrence. Multiple rollovers can delay delivery by 2–3 weeks.
• European ports (Hamburg, Antwerp) face disruptions due to labour disputes and weather.
• Australian ports are operational, but wharf and transport costs have risen by 5–7%.

Global Trade & Geopolitical Impacts

• Eastern Europe: The Poland–Belarus border closure has stalled over 130 freight trains, forcing cargo onto slower sea routes and increasing airfreight demand.
• South China Sea: Military activity and territorial disputes are prompting carriers to reroute vessels, adding 2–4 days and raising insurance premiums.
• Israel–Gaza Ceasefire: Despite the ceasefire on 10 October, Red Sea risks persist.
  • Ships continue to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 7–14 days.
  • Freight rates and war risk premiums remain elevated.
  • No operational relief is expected until security guarantees are in place.

Airfreight Conditions

• Severe space constraints from Europe and North America.
• Airfreight rollovers from China are occurring, especially via Hong Kong and Singapore, adding 2–7 days per occurrence.
• Rerouting via Southeast Asia (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok) is adding minor delays and cost due to capacity optimisation and geopolitical risk avoidance.

Freight Rates & Space Availability

• Golden Week aftermath in China has eased, but rates remain volatile.
• Current trends:
  • LCL cargo: Fluctuating from China/Hong Kong, stable from UK/Europe.
  • FCL cargo:
    • USA East Coast: Stable
    • USA West Coast: Slight upward trend
    • China: Fluctuating
    • UK/Europe: Stable but under pressure
    • Hong Kong: Fluctuating
• Sea freight rollovers are causing delays of 2–3 weeks and increasing costs via storage, demurrage, and urgent rebooking fees.
• Space availability remains tight for November bookings; early reservations are strongly advised.

Practical Advice to Avoid Rollovers

• Book early: 4–6 weeks for sea freight, 2–3 weeks for airfreight.
• Use flexible routing and premium services.
• Consolidate shipments for priority handling.
• Stay informed with carrier updates and work closely with your logistics partner.

Upcoming Holidays Impacting Shipping

• Diwali (India): 1 November – reduced operations expected.
• Singles’ Day (China): 11 November – surge in e-commerce shipments.
• Christmas deadlines: Cargo from Northern China should ship within 1–3 weeks; Southern China lanes are already stretched by up to 1.5 weeks.

Industry Trends & Forecast to Christmas

• Rollovers and blank sailings will persist through November.
• Expect peak season surcharges and elevated rates through December.
• Hybrid air-sea models are gaining popularity for time-sensitive cargo.

Closing Note

The coming weeks will be challenging, with global tensions and seasonal demand putting pressure on supply chains. If you’re planning shipments for Christmas or early 2026, now is the time to act. Our team can help you secure space, manage costs, and find creative solutions to keep your goods moving despite these disruptions.

We’re here to make things easier for you—whether it’s navigating complex trade rules, booking scarce capacity, or providing real-time updates on global developments. Let’s work together to keep your business one step ahead and ensure your cargo arrives when you need it.

Warm regards,
The VoxGroup Team

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 personalised support.