News
Industry Update – May 2025
Attention: Shipping Manager
Patrick Terminals 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 Patrick Terminals announcing an enterprise agreement roll-over with the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and its workforce.
This agreement has been negotiated well in advance of the previous expiry date and will now extend Patrick’s Enterprise Agreement to 31 December 2028, providing an additional three years of industrial certainty.
This agreement represents a major step toward national stability across Australia’s key container gateways in what is set to be a busy year for enterprise bargaining, with various other agreements either recently expired or due for expiry this year.
The agreement will now be submitted to the Fair Work Commission for formal approval
Situation in USA
- Impact of Tariffs on Australian Exporters and Importers
The sweeping set of U.S. tariff increases announced by U.S. President Donald Trump mark a departure from long-standing policies, and have provoked retaliatory action, which experts say may lead to a cost increase for various goods, adversely affecting both exporters and importers.
The U.S. considers Australia’s stringent biosecurity measures as non-tariff barriers, and has referenced them as part of its justification for reciprocal tariffs on Australian exports of 10%.
The Australian Government has acknowledged the challenges posed by these tariffs, ruling out retaliatory tariffs, instead committing to support affected industries through:
- $50 million in emergency assistance for impacted sectors.
- Strengthened anti-dumping measures to protect Australian steel and other products.
- A $1 billion economic resilience program, offering zero-interest loans to support the development of new export markets.
- A renewed focus on Australian-made products, with government procurement policies prioritising local businesses.
The Prime Minister emphasised that Australia has secured relatively favourable treatment compared to other nations in the new tariff regime. Ongoing diplomatic engagement continues at multiple levels to advocate for Australian trade interests.
(Source: Freight & Trade Alliance)
- Cancelled Bookings from Asia
Donald Trump’s tariff war has seen several Asian exporters cancelling container bookings, as US cargo receivers are now wary of having to pay higher prices for the goods.
Some manufactures say they have been told not to proceed with any shipments for May, as the tariffs have now made pricing uncertain.
With demand for their goods in doubt, these manufacturers are now operating their factories on reduced hours and asking workers to work fewer days.
Experts say last-minute cancellations are at around 300 containers a day, a five-fold increase from the pre-tariff period.
(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 will come into effect from the 1st May 2025:
USD 300/20’
USD 600/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
Delivery Fuel Surcharge Decrease:
Delivery Fuel Surcharge has decreased for Brisbane, effective from the 1st of May 2025. Updated surcharge is given below:
Brisbane Delivery Fuel Surcharge = 29.5%
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