News
Industry Update – November 2025
Attention: Shipping Manager
Red Sea Attacks
The Houthi militia appears to be calling an end to its siege of the Red Sea, the attempted blockage of Israeli ports and attacks on merchant ships transiting in the waterway.
The group did not explicitly state it had ended attacks, but a public statement from the group appears to suggest that this is the case.
This update follows the ceasefire in Gaza, and comes about two years after the group’s first attack. Since then, dozens of ships have been attacked, four sunk, and at least nine mariners have been killed.
It is worth noting there have been no Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea since the ceasefire began.
Some carriers have begun to explore Suez Canal transits ahead of a potential return to the waterway, however, the situation is ongoing and it is yet to be seen whether this will be any time soon.
(Source: Loadstar)
US-China Port Fee Suspension
The US and China have agreed to suspend retaliatory port fees on each other’s vessels for one year starting from 10 November, just weeks after they came into effect.
Last month, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) started charging fees on China-linked vessels calling at American ports, with China announcing they would charge fees on US-linked vessels in response.
This suspension will offer temporary relief across the global shipping industry from the challenges already posed by these measures, which have impacted routing decisions, vessel diversions and the cost of trade to and from the US and China.
While the postponement offers a short-term reprieve for shipowners, it does not provide clarity on whether port charges could become a long-term feature of maritime trade policy, highlighting the uncertain trade environment stakeholders have to contend with.
We will continue to monitor this situation for further updates.
(Source: Reuters & Loadstar)
Strikes in Europe
Industrial action in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Bruges that lead to delays and disrupted services, alongside congestion challenges last month has been suspended.
While the major ports will resume regular operations temporarily, experts say it will take time to clear vessel and cargo backlogs and may contribute to some uncertainty in port capacity and congestion over the coming weeks.
(Source: Loadstar)
Customs Examination Fees
As one of the largest markets for illicit drugs per capita, shipments en route to Australia are regularly subjected to random inspections by customs globally. These have increased exponentially over the past few years, particularly from the USA.
When inspections occur, in whichever country, it means delays of up to weeks at origin and/or destination whilst waiting for an inspection time, detention charges from shipping lines, customs inspection fees and other ad hoc fees that get passed on down the line.
Unfortunately, the costs of all of this are borne by the importer and we have no option but to pass these on when they occur.
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:
These will come into effect throughout November 2025, affecting North East Asia and South East Asia to Australia.
USD 500/20’
USD 1000/40’
This will also affect North East and South East Asia to New Zealand as follows:
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.
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.
