News
Industry Update – September 2025
Attention: Shipping Manager
VICT Enterprise Agreement
We have received notice from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) of a significant industrial development, with Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) confirming that it has signed a new four-year enterprise agreement with unions, securing the entirety of VICT’s operations at the Port of Melbourne until March 2029 without disruption.
The agreement underlines the strong working relationship between management and the workforce and sets the foundations for long-term stability.
Key elements of the agreement include:
- Improved benefits and working conditions for employees
- Greater operational flexibility to meet customer and industry needs
- A stable and secure industrial relations framework to support future growth and innovation
By locking in industrial certainty for the next four years, VICT is well placed to continue providing safe, reliable and efficient container handling services. The agreement balances workforce wellbeing with the continuity and certainty required by key players in the supply chain.
(Freight & Trade Alliance)
Hutchison Ports Enterprise Agreement
We have received notice from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) of a significant industrial development, with Hutchison Ports confirming that it has signed a new four-year Enterprise Agreement with unions. This agreement secures operational stability and continuity across its terminals through to 2029.
Executives say the agreement was reached quickly to minimise any potential impact on the supply chain.
The new agreement provides greater flexibility in managing labour resources and availability, enabling operations to better align with shipping line service arrivals in Port Botany and Brisbane. This is also expected to enhance service levels for landside operators, including rail and trucking.
Sources say workers have secured an 18.25% pay rise and a binding ban on automation for the life of the new agreement.
In what has been a busy year for enterprise bargaining, this agreement now rounds out all major container terminal enterprise agreements until 2028-2029, providing welcome national stability for the industry.
(Freight & Trade Alliance)
Typhoon Impact in China
Tropical Storm Tapah made landfall in China this week. As a result, port and logistics operations across the Pearl River Delta region have been impacted, which includes Hong Kong, Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou) and Guangzhou (Nansha).
Terminal closures and pilotage suspensions have occurred during typhoon precautions in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Vessel delays are expected due to the current impact on port and vessel operations, while feeder and inland river access into Nansha may also face temporary restrictions due to gale and flood controls.
Exact impacts will vary by carrier and service and schedules are being updated progressively.
(Source: Consol Alliance)
Situation in Middle East
- Houthi Attack Update
The Houthi militants appear to have increased activity against Israel and Israel-linked shipping, though no new threats have been issued.
It comes after the Israelis renewed their statements vowing to stop Houthi aggression after militants started to use more powerful weapons.
An incident was reported earlier this month, where a vessel in the Red Sea observed an “unknown projectile” hit the sea at “some distance” from the vessel, with no injuries reported. The same vessel also experienced “severe electronic interference”.
Recent claims include an alleged strike on the Scarlet Ray, which was later confirmed undamaged, and the MSC Aby, which security consultants dismissed as likely false.
Experts say the incident is the 30th of 2025, though there had been a lull since the July sinking of two bulk carriers.
Analysts warn that the Houthis may be extending the reach of their attacks further north into the Red Sea, closer to Saudi Arabia, and note the launces are coming at an increased frequency.
(Source: Maritime Executive)
- Türkiye Bars Ships with Ties to Israel
The Turkish government has reportedly taken steps to suspend trade with Israel and stop the movement of ships between the two countries, as well as possibly international shipping with an Israeli connection. The full extent is unclear pending official government statements, but it comes after the Houthis made it clear they were tracking shipping between the countries.
Port authorities are reportedly telling agents that Turkish-flagged ships cannot call Israeli ports, while Israeli vessels are barred from Turkish ports.
According to Globes and Reuters, the measures may be broader, including bans on military or hazardous cargo, restrictions on transhipment through Türkiye, and requirements for ships to confirm they have no links to Israel.
(Source: Maritime Executive)
Situation in the US
- Tariff Uncertainty
Following the decision by the US Court of Appeals that USA’s reciprocal tariffs are illegal, the next six weeks are expected to be highly uncertain for trade. The White House is widely expected to take the case to the Supreme Court and has until 14 October to file a petition.
Countries currently negotiating trade deals may decide to await the Supreme Court’s decision.
(Source: Loadstar)
Australia Post To Resume US Postal Services
Australia Post has now announced that it plans to resume postal sending to the United States (US) and its overseas territories on or before Thursday, 25 September 2025.
This announcement follows changes the US Government made to customs and import tariff rules at the end of August 2025, which saw Australia Post, along with numerous other international postal operators, make the decision to temporarily partially suspend postal services to the US, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, US Virgin Islands and US Minor Outlying Islands.
(Source: Freight & Trade Alliance)
New Chinese Export Compliance Regulations
We have received notice that new Chinese Export Compliance regulations will come into force from 1 October 2025, which will require any manufacturers and suppliers themselves to hold an Export Licence.
Potential challenges may arise as new processes around border control are phased in, which may result in delays in late September.
Delays on Shipped on Board dates may cause disruption if delays extend from September into October.
Key points to note:
- The enforcement of the new regulations begins on 1 October 2025.
- Non-compliance could result in significant fines or legal penalties.
- Shipments on Ex-Works (EXW) or Free Carrier (FCA) incoterms could face additional challenges as shippers may misinterpret their obligations under those incoterms to provide the correct documents.
It is recommended to engage with suppliers to make sure that your supply chain remains compliant.
(Source: Oceanbridge)
General Rate Increase from Asia to Australia and New Zealand:
We received notifications this month from a number of shipping lines in regards to a General Rate Increase (GRI) from Asia to Australia and New Zealand, details as follows:
The GRI will come into effect from 1 September 2025, affecting North East and South East Asia to Australia and New Zealand
USD 300/20’
USD 600/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
Due to the current global situation, we believe these increases may not eventuate. However, because shipping lines have announced them, we want to keep you informed.
If you need further clarification on pricing on these trade lanes, please contact your sales representative.
Destination Empty Container Park Increase:
Destination Empty Container Park surcharge has increased for Sydney effective immediately. Updated surcharges are given below:
Sydney Empty Container Park surcharge = AUD 290 per container
D&V Socials
Dieterle & Victory has launched our new social media on LinkedIn and Facebook, where we will post info, news, explainers, and anything of interest for our audience.
If you wish to like or follow, we would really appreciate your support.
You can find links below.
We will keep you updated with any further information.
