Expected inclement Weather:
The weather in Sydney on Tuesday/Wednesday 1st-2nd July is expected to produce extremely high winds that will affect port operations.
Already Patricks Terminal have advised that all export receivals will be postponed for at least 48 hours, and it is possible other Terminals will also have slot cancellations due to the safety issues that could become hazardous. Some LCL depots in the Botany area have also indicated they could close down at any time.
The GPSM Transport Team will be closely monitoring the situation and will keep all clients affected with delayed deliveries informed as arrangements change.
Important Shipping & Customs Updates from Asia market:
1. Enhanced Battery Cargo Regulations
Due to increased incidents of battery explosions at sea, carriers are enforcing stricter controls and risk assessments for battery and hazardous material shipments. It is imperative that you notify us of any batteries that may be contained in seafreight shipments so authorities can be informed prior to quoting or shipping. These requirements also applies to airfreight cargo.
2. Intensified Chinese Customs Inspections
In response to recent trade tensions, Chinese customs authorities have significantly increased inspections on export goods. Since early June, major ports—including Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Tianjin—are experiencing heightened scrutiny. This is likely to become a routine procedure. Shipments with accurate and compliant documentation generally clear customs smoothly.
3. Vessel Space Constraints and Rising Freight Rates
Ongoing blank sailings and increased freight rates have led to limited vessel space, some weekly services to Australia from China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan have been changed to fortnightly as some of the vessels previously on the Australian trade have been moved to the Asia-USA trade as volumes exceed expectations and US importers are trying to beat the new tariffs that are being introduced by the Trump administration.
4. Anticipated Delays for Early July Shipments
Shipments originating from South China ports, particularly Shenzhen, may face cargo rolling delays exceeding two weeks due to severe space shortages. Providing shipping plans at least two weeks before the Cargo Ready Date is crucial in ensuring confirmed bookings in advance.
We will continue to monitor the market closely and update you promptly if better rates or options become available.