News
Industry Update – July 2025
Attention: Shipping Manager
Situation in Middle East
- Houthi Strikes and Red Sea Update
The tragic incident in the Red Sea earlier last week – involving a cargo ship attack by Houthi rebels that has left 15 crew members missing – serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of global trade routes and the human toll of maritime conflict.
While the direct impact of the attach is centred in the Middle East, the ripple effects are being felt worldwide, including Australia.
Shipping lines continue to reroute vessels to avoid the region, adding significant time, cost, and uncertainty across supply chains.
The unfolding situation underscores the broader geopolitical risks facing international logistics and the importance of maintaining safe, stable trade corridors.
(Source: Freight & Trade Alliance)
- Suez Canal Update
Tensions in the Middle East may have quashed hopes the Suez Canal may soon be a viable route for commercial ships, but experts say that may not be a bad thing, as a sudden return may lead to congestion across North European and Mediterranean container supply chains.
Once the decision is made that it is safe for vessels to transit through the canal again, it will likely be a decision that all carriers make concurrently, which could lead to an influx of containers at port at the same time.
Experts say a gradual reopening of the Suez Canal would be ideal to avoid chaos across container supply chains.
(Source: Loadstar)
Port Congestion in Europe
Port congestion across North Europe’s key ports appears to be abating, with delays typically between ten hours and two days – a significant improvement – although this might be short-lived.
Terminals like Rotterdam and Bremerhaven remain tight on space, major rail works in Hamburg have seen the port disconnected from rail in Germany over last weekend, and Rotterdam has been in an indefinite strike since 4 June.
These factors will contribute to some uncertainty in port capacity and congestion over the coming months.
(Source: Loadstar)
Situation in the US
- West Coast Transpacific Capacity
Despite worsening trade tensions early last month, capacity continues to return to transpacific routes. This has prompted warnings that Los Angeles and Long Beach ports could face significantly high volumes.
Experts say that if volumes fail to match the rapid increase in capacity, freight rates could ease. Alternatively, they warn that should the additional capacity be filled with cargo eager to ship before the tariff time-out, US container ports could be facing a congestion crisis.
(Source: Loadstar)
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 from Asia to Australia and New Zealand, details as follows:
The GRI came into effect from the 1st July 2025, affecting North East Asia 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.
Advisory Notices for Non-Road Vehicles
Importing a vehicle that’s not designed for use on public roads? Learn about Advisory Notices for a thing that is not a road vehicle here.
While may not need a vehicle import approval (VIA), you can request something called an Advisory Notice for something that is not a road vehicle from the Department of Infrastructure to confirm this.
While you don’t need an advisory notice to bring a non-road vehicle into Australia, it can be useful in the import process by providing assurance to Australian Border Force officers that the vehicle does not require further approval, helping you avoid delays at customs.
Flinders Adelaide MUA Enterprise Agreement
We have received notice from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) of a significant industrial development, with Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal announcing that an in-principle enterprise agreement has now been reached with the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and its workforce.
The agreement between Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal (FACT) and the MUA covers stevedoring employees for three and three-quarter years, extending the enterprise agreement through to 31 March 2029.
The parties will now complete the agreement’s drafting and move forward with the formal ratification process. Afterwards, the agreement will be submitted to the Fair Work Commission for approval.
(Source: Freight & Trade Alliance)
Destination Empty Container Park Increase:
Destination Empty Container Park surcharge has increased for Fremantle effective immediately. Updated surcharges are given below:
Fremantle Empty Container Park surcharge = AUD 165 per container
Full Import Declaration Charge Increase:
We have received notice from the Australian Border Force (ABF) that as of 1 July 2025, there will be changes to the biosecurity cost recovery charge on Full Import Declarations (FIDs) for goods arriving in Australia by air and sea.
The changes to current charges will apply to imports effective immediately.
Updated charges are given below:
Full Import Declaration Charge – AIR:
Current charge = AUD 45
New charge from 1 July 2025 = AUD 46
Full Import Declaration Charge – SEA:
Current charge = AUD 66
New charge from 1 July 2025 = AUD 68
In addition, the current charges for import cargo documentation for assessment through COLS will increase from $39 to $40 in line with the Department’s Cost Recovery Implementation statement (CRIS).
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.
