FREIGHT RATE INDICES in the Asia-Australia trades hit a flat-spot this week, in news which will be welcomed by shippers but may be making lines nervous on the eve of traditional peak import season.
The SCFI from Shanghai to Sydney slipped marginally to USD 4,328/FEU for Week 32, a 3% dip on Week 31 which, in turn, was 1% up on Week 30. The last significant rise was of 10% back in Week 28.
Xeneta’s main ports South East Asia-Australia index was becalmed at USD 3,069/FEU, which halts a pattern of rises that began in Week 20, although the increases have been inconsistent, ranging from 1% to 16%.
Congestion of one kind or other continues to plague services from both regions, with Chinese ports particularly weather-affected and causing a plethora of port omission notifications at both ends of the trades. Over-stuffed SEA hubs are playing havoc with windows too, especially in NZ trades.
Needless to add, carriers haven’t given up on pushing through further rate ‘restorations’ and surcharge revisions with Middle East ructions continuing to trouble all lines trying to manage fuel bills and on-costs.
As usual, it is the market leaders making the running.
ANL has made a number of announcements pertaining to New Zealand:
In order to maintain a high level of service, ANL will be implementing a rate restoration program from 15 August at USD 500/TEU dry & USD 1,000/FEU dry for all shipments from Asia/Indian Subcontinent/Middle East to New Zealand. This increase will apply on top of current Spot/FAK rates subject to all applicable surcharges valid on time of shipment.
Detention & Demurrage rates will increase for imports/exports in all places from 15 August; and export/import Terminal Handling Charges for all brands will be revised effective from 15 August 2026 for non-US trades and from 1 September 2026 for US trades. Details of both can be found on ANL’s website.
ANL has further advised that Lyttelton Port Company is undertaking works to replace the rail platform at the Main Gate. “This is a critical upgrade to maintain safe and reliable access to the port. The Main Port Security Gate will be closed until 28 August 2026. During this period, all access to and from the port will be via alternative routes operating under traffic management controls. These routes have defined constraints, including height, width and traffic flow limitations.
“All port users will be affected to some extent during this period. Due to constrained routes and controlled access, delays and access limitations are expected. Key Impacts for OUT-OF-GAUGE Cargo:
During this period, the maximum permitted height (including truck and cargo) will be 4.4 m, and the maximum permitted width will be 5.9 m on alternative access routes
Additional planning, coordination and lead time will be required for OOG shipments.”
COSCO Shipping is pushing a rate restoration of USD 500/TEU, USD 1,000/FEU for all shipments from North & East Asia and South East Asia, effective 15 August. The carrier has announced adjustments to terminal handling charges for Australia imports and exports, effective from 1 September: LocalChargeNotice 01092026.pdf
MSC will push a rate restoration of USD 500/TEU on 15 August on all cargo moving from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia to Australia.
From 1-31 August MSC is applying its Bunker Recovery Charge as follows:
· USD 451/TEU for dry cargo ex North East Asia to Oceania.
· USD 624/TEU for dry cargo ex South East Asia to Oceania.