Author Archives: Con Xegas

Freight Market Update – March 2024

This freight market update details the numerous challenges that importers and exporters in the Australian and New Zealand freight industries have faced in recent months, particularly those trying to reach markets beyond Asia. Issues like avoiding the Panama and Suez Canals, ongoing conflicts between DP World and the Maritime Unions of Australia, and a strike […]

Freight Market Update – November 2023

In this freight market update in what’s becoming a pattern, the expected Peak Season rush did not occur, meaning less congestion, low rates, and more predictability. But the subdued demand for space means shipping lines continue to blank sailings to maintain rates. The main driver here is a generally slow global economy. High interest rates, […]

Freight market update – July 2023

This global freight market update sees Australia’s economy remaining relatively healthy despite ongoing warnings of a global recession. Inflation is slowing, and unemployment is low. With stocktake and EOFY almost behind us, preparations for peak season can begin. With that, we can expect to see the carriers’ GRIs and rate restoration tactics. Freight market update […]

Freight market update – June 2023

In this international freight market update, the ongoing global economic constraint is driving a slowdown in volume, flowing through to downward pressure on rates. As a consequence, shipping lines are beginning to implement blank sailings, GRIs, rate restoration and other charges throughout parts of the globe. Freight market update A-UKFTA commenced on 31 May 2023. […]

Freight market update – April 2023

In this international freight market update, we continue to see conditions characterised by high inflation and economic tightening, contributing to a drop in trade volumes. Freight market update Maersk, OOCL, Hapag Lloyd and CMA CGM reported reduced container volumes for 2022 and are forecasting further reductions in 2023. Freight rates from China have hit lows. […]

Freight market update – February 2023

International freight market Feb 23 conditions are shaped by high inflation numbers and global economic concerns, contributing to a drop in trade volumes impacting Australia. Since Lunar New Year, conditions are generally stable with low rates and open capacity. Low inbound freight rates will prevail across the container shipping market for the first half of […]

Shenzhen lockdown to stem Omicron outbreak.

Enhanced pandemic prevention measures to stem an Omicron variant outbreak have resulted in a Shenzhen lockdown with the closure of all communities and villages and suspension of bus and metro services from 14th to 20th March. Apart from essential services, all workers must work from home from 14th to 18th March. Manufacturing and business operations […]