WITH DREWRY’S World Container Index taking a modest U-turn this week, spot rates between China and Australia have continued their modest recovery, encouraging carriers to attempt further GRIs.
According to the Shanghai Container Freight Index average spot rates for Shanghai-Sydney crept up to USD 1,656/FEU for the week commencing 31 March, up from USD 1,510/FEU the previous week.
In the South East Asia-Australia trade Xeneta reports rates are continuing to slide, albeit incrementally, but remain higher than from China. The analyst has average rates from main ports to main ports at USD 1,764/FEU this week, compared to USD 1,791/FEU last week.
Nevertheless, this is well adrift of the USD 2,314/FEU at the beginning of March and USD 3,328/FEU in the second week of January.
Once again, it is proving difficult to tell whether carriers are endeavouring to support rates by blanking sailings or simply sliding schedules as a consequence of persistent weather and congestion delays. @Whatever, we are remaining agile and nimble,” one carrier told DCN.
Meanwhile, ANL will be implementing a rate restoration program from 15 April 2025 at USD 300/TEU dry/reefer and USD 600/FEU dry/reefer for all shipment from Northeast Asia to Australia East Coast. This increase will apply on top of current Spot/FAK rates subject to all applicable surcharges valid on time of shipment.
On 1 May ANL will apply an identical increase, i.e. USD 300/TEU dry/reefer and USD 600/FEU dry/reefer for all shipments from Northeast Asia to Australia East Coast.
Identically, COSCO Shipping Line will implement a 15 April rate restoration in full on top of existing ongoing market rates and will be subject to accessorial surcharges southbound Northeast Asia to all ports and points in Australia at USD 300/TEU, USD 600/FEU Effective for all Bills of Lading dated 15 April 2025 onwards.
COSCO will adopt the same quantum on the same date, for a rate restoration southbound from Southeast Asia to
all ports and points in Australia.
Joining the fray on 1 May is MSC with a southbound rate restoration effective for all cargo from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan to Australia and New Zealand, of USD 300/TEU.
In the South Pacific, NPDL is implementing a Rate Restoration program from Australia and New Zealand to Tahiti, with effect from Southern Pearl 0506 (ETA Auckland mid-May). The increases will be as follows: USD 250/TEU dry & reefer and USD 400/FEU dry & reefer.
Similarly, from Asia to Tahiti NPDL will raise rates on 1 May 2025 by USD 300/TEU dry & reefer andUSD 600/FEU dry & reefer.
On 1 May NPDL will increase cargo handling charges due to recvent increases at Australian ports, as follows:
Finally, on Monday [7 April] ANL/CMA CGM’s new dedicated Reefer Desk goes live.
“We are committed to continuously enhancing our services to better meet your needs,” the carriers said.
“Based on valuable customer feedback, we are excited to introduce a dedicated Reefer Desk—your central point of contact for all refrigerated cargo inquiries.
“This new desk will serve as a central point of contact for all reefer-related inquiries, ensuring a more streamlined experience.
• Go LIVE Launch Date: Monday, 7 April 2025
• Contact: +61 1800 840 949 (Press 2 for Reefer Support)
• Email Communication channel: aus.service@cma-cgm.com (remains unchanged for all cargo types)
