Welcome to our July News Brief
Dear Valued Customers,
Shipping seasons are often regular and expected throughout the year. This was certainly the case until the past few years until ongoing disruptions changed the shipping environment.
As we enter the peak shipping season, there is continued volatility. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has created its own issues. Trade flows across the globe are still imbalanced and vessel schedules are yet to recover. Closer to home, we are seeing bottlenecks from an increase of COVID-19 subvariants which are causing more uncertainty.
China’s reopening last month, together with the current renewed lockdowns and restrictions is expected to create a surge of demand to put renewed pressure on manufacturers, trucking, port operations and possibly freight rates. With China authorities continued zero COVID policy, supply chains are likely to change with many importers considering alternative markets to reduce exposure and the risk of future disruptions.
The pandemic will prove to be one of the toughest challenges of our generation so planning supply chains well in advance and taking into consideration additional delays is essential in this age of constant change whilst there is a large amount of uncertainty still at play in the market.
Sam Curro
Executive Business Manager – Oceania
DAWE Name Change to Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
• On 1 July 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) became the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
• The department is updating their website to reflect their changed role. Information about the environment and water portfolio will now be found on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website
• Industry has been notified that existing templates in circulation for Packing Declarations that refer to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will continue to be acceptable post the name change to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry...
Failing Food Report for March 2022
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has published its failing food report under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme for March 2022.
• Report shows food imports that have failed analytical testing
• Foods containing non permitted additives or ingredients
• Food that is not permitted due to being a prohibited plant, or fungi...
Biosecurity Delays and Threats Adding Cost to Supply Chains
• In response to serious operational and cost concerns raised by Freight & Trade Alliance, the peak industry body representing customs brokers, freight forwarders and importers, The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is on the public record stating causes and acknowledging extensive delays...
Khapra Beetle Measures Update
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has initiated a pest risk analysis for Khapra Beetle. The analysis will assess the biosecurity risks and ensure the current emergency measures achieve the appropriate level of protection for Australia
• Existing measures remain in place until the analysis is completed and a draft report is expected to be released in early 2023 for a 60 day public consultation period...
Australian & NZ Port Terminals Update
Provides a summary of vessel delays and congestion at Australian and NZ ports – Courtesy of Maersk, Patrick Terminals, VICT & WWL...
International Port Terminals Update
Provides a summary of terminal operating conditions in Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, USA, Europe and UK – Courtesy of Freight & Trade Alliance...
World Container Index (WCI) 14 July 2022
Provides an interesting insight into World Container Index pricing – Courtesy of Drewry UK
- The World Container Index per 40 FT container as of 14 July 2022 decreased by 0.7% to $6,998.80 USD 40FT
- The composite index decreased by 21% for the same week a year ago. The average composite index assessed by Drewry for year-to-date, is $8,321.00 USD per 40 FT container
- This is $4,788.00 USD higher than the 5 five-year spot freight rate average of $3,533.00 USD per 40 FT container…
