MEAN spot rates between China and Australia have now risen a cumulative 68% since the middle of March, according to the latest SCFI for Shanghai-Sydney.
The level rose another 9% in quotes for this week, Week 21, to USD 2,634/FEU. In Week 13 the rate was USD 1,242/FEU and has risen in increments varying from 3% to 19% since, with a particular bounce in Week17.
DCN has detected no further voyage blankings in this trade but commentary shared with us suggests carriers are increasingly engaging in port-skipping, ostensibly to catch up with schedules and ensure timely arrival at destination ports.
“Normally, the Australian trade lane would experience a relatively mild transition in June, the fiscal year-end month.
“However, based on the current chaotic schedule situation, carriers are confidently indicating that new GRIs are inevitable in June.
“Although they recognise that the current booking levels cannot support the recently increased rates for late May, they firmly believe this soft demand is only temporary,” our source said.
In the South East Asia-Australia trade Xeneta again has rates relatively flat, despite intense carrier efforts to apply rate restorations, general rate increases and peak season surcharges. The Week 21 mean is USD 1,651/FEU, with tables showing there have been no fluctuations great than +/- 7% all year. With rumours swirling new entrants are again sniffing around this trade carriers may find it even more difficult to boost returns.
CMA CGM is renewing its peak season surcharge for all cargoes ex Europe on the NEMO and PAD services: “Following our previous announcement dated 10 April 2026, please note the peak season surcharge implemented as from 7 May will be expired on 31 May.
“In a continued effort to provide our customers with reliable and efficient services, CMA CGM Group wishes to inform you of the new following PSS from 1 June:
COSCO Shipping will push through 1 June rate restorations for both the North & East Asia and South East Asia trades, of USD 300/TEU, 600/FEU.
Hapag-Lloyd is following other carriers with an update regarding the Inland Fuel Floater (Diesel) for applicable inland Rail / Combined Rail services in Australia.
“Due to ongoing volatility in international energy markets, diesel prices have experienced increased fluctuations. As diesel represents a significant cost component of inland transportation and handling, we will introduce / adjust an Inland Fuel Floater (Diesel) for applicable inland Rail / Combined Rail services in Australia,” the carrier said.
Effective 19 May for non-FMC and 19 June for FMC, the following Inland Fuel Floater (Diesel) will apply:
MSC has announced a 1 June southbound rate restoration of USD 300/TEU for all shipments from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Southeast Asia to all Australian ports. Additionally, the carrier has announced an identical peak season surcharge, applicable to the same origin countries/regions and effective 1 June.
Carriers have been publishing currency and bunker adjustment factors for June and given current volatility shippers are advised to check with lines and agents.