Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East global supply chain continues to face widespread disruptions and ongoing uncertainty. These challenges have placed increased pressure on port infrastructure, costs and carrier services worldwide.
Oceania Trade Update — Shipping Line Rates & Surcharges (June 2026)
Freight rates into Australia and New Zealand have increased through May and into June 2026 driven by tighter carrier capacity, an early peak season, and ongoing geopolitical disruption. Customers can expect reduced booking flexibility and shorter rate validity windows.
- Asia–Oceania Routes – Booking Demand: Schedule reliability issues have increased as Shipping Lines enact omissions, reduce capacity, phase out larger vessels and effect blank sailings. Along with transhipment delays this has impacted general service reliability, space and equipment. Shipping Lines are requesting a minimum 35-day advance booking to effect uplift.
- Asia-Oceania Rate Developments: GRI’s continue to be announced fortnightly with the market supporting Peak Season Surcharges. Freight rates have increased significantly in MAY/JUNE due to GRI’s and supply/demand.
- Asia-Oceania Peak Season Surcharge: Peak Season Surcharges have been announced in July as we enter an ‘early peak season’. Demand and supply are driving the surcharges Shipping Lines have introduced.
- Port Congestion: Transshipment ports are experiencing delays of 2–3 weeks, occurring due to congestion, fluctuating trade volumes and an increase in supply/demand due to ongoing global disruptions.
- The Strait of Hormuz: With recent developments an agreement is due on the 19.06.26. Pending the agreement, the disruptions will require a recovery period to stabilise global fuel costs and supply chain services.
- Emergency Fuel Surcharges: Carriers EFS (Emergency Fuel Surcharge) / (Emergency Bunker Surcharge) / (Floating Fuel) remains applicable and floating BAF monthly, as the market stabilises. ADM continues to monitor closely.
- Australia Landside Operations: As vessels enter the Australian market and vessel ‘bunching’ becomes the new normal, Australian ports, rail and landside operators are under increased pressure to facilitate operations. Resulting in reduced productivity, limiting VBS and ECP slots, with short turnaround timeframes and lack of flow that are resulting in increasing operational costs to Importers and Exporters. Terminals and carriers are expected to raise their operating costs in the coming months.
We encourage all customers to forward plan and book shipments as early as possible and to build flexibility into your supply chain, to help manage delays. Forecasting is a necessity to maintain a robust supply chain to navigate through these challenges.
For further assistance, please contact your dedicated support representative.
Yours sincerely,
ADM Global Pty Ltd
📞 +61 3 8336 0800 | 🌐 www.admglobal.com.au
