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Australia freight rates increase, whilst global rates decline: International freight insights APAC August 2025

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Rates to Australia increase while global freight rates decrease. Access ZG’s indicators from Asia based freight forwarders are that spot ocean freight rates offered by some carriers to Australia increased 10% for July 2025. These July 2025-month international ocean freight observations show differences to the Index results stated below. This is due to rate volatility and the index lagging by up to a few weeks the information Access ZG sees in both other metrics and on the ground with Asia freight forwarder and shipping line quoted rates.

 

The China Containerized Freight Index showed spot ocean freight rates China to Australia increased 16% for July 2025. Shanghai Containerized Freight Index which leads the China Index (as it uses data from quoted rates for the forthcoming week) to all global routes decreased 12% for July 2025 time period, led by declines in the China – US route. The Drewry Composite Index that measures ocean freight spot rates globally decreased 11% (after increasing 19% for June).


Some shipping lines blanked sailings in June / July as well as implemented rate surcharges to Australia & New Zealand (some of which stuck). This caused increased ocean freight rates on this route compared to most global routes seeing declines.


There is now more divergence in international freight rate movements between trade lanes depending on specific geopolitical, demand and shipping line capacity policy.

 

The Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE) futures is the best read for global future ocean shipping market forecasts (only available for Asia to Europe route). It showed a 14% increase in August 30 contracts (ec2508) over the past month, longer dated contracts increased about 10% over the past month.


Worldwide air freight rates per the TAC Index increased 3% for the month of July 2025. Intra-Asia Pacific air freight rates increased 1% for July 2025 (per World ACD Air Cargo Market Trends report).


Getting quality early information is important in this volatile market. Prior International Freight Insights APAC newsletters under the ‘Insights’ tab and further service offering information can be viewed here: access-zg.com 

 

Reach out for further discussion about how Access ZG’s service offerings can assist with increasing control of your overseas logistics operations.

 

See below for July 2025 high value article highlights:

 

Shipping alliances carriers and MSC control over 80% of market

 

As the container shipping industry continues its transformation, strategic cooperation among carriers remains a key force shaping global trade. According to updated Alphaliner data, the dominance of shipping alliances carriers, along with MSC, the industry's largest standalone liner operator, has reached unprecedented levels. Even though they don't deploy their entire fleet to alliance services, carriers that are members of shipping alliances, control a staggering 82.1% of global container shipping capacity.

 

With over 80% of container shipping capacity now controlled by shipping alliances carriers and MSC, the industry's consolidation trend shows no sign of slowing down. For shippers, regulators, and stakeholders alike, understanding this dynamic is crucial. As competition narrows and networks converge, questions around service quality, freight rates, and long-term sustainability will remain at the forefront of global supply chain discussions.

 

 

ANL announces peak season surcharge for Asia, Indian Sub- Continent & Middle East to Australia

 

ANL has announced the implementation of a peak season surcharge for all shipments from North and South East Asia, the Indian Sub-continent, and the Middle East to ports in Australia, effective August 1, 2025, and remaining in place until further notice. The surcharge will apply to all cargo types and is set at US$ 500 per 20-foot standard or refrigerated container and USD 1,000 per 40-foot standard, high-cube, or refrigerated container.

 

 

Sea-Intelligence: Capacity Volatility from Asia to North American West Coast

 

Sea-Intelligence analyses volatility in the capacity offered in the Asia to the North American West Coast (NAWC) trade. This volatility is caused by blank sailings, vessels sailing off-schedule, and vessels of varying size on the same service.

 

To the degree that spot rates are driven by the actual weekly supply/demand balance, this capacity volatility means that the underlying driver for spot rate formation on Asia-NAWC has become progressively more unstable over the past 13 years, creating a much more volatile and unpredictable spot rate in itself.

 


DHL Ocean Freight Market Update July 2025

 

Demand Outlook:

·      Growth rates expected to soften, despite improved financial conditions. Anticipation of higher tariffs boosted growth, but effect will continue to be stop/go.

·      S&P Global’s PMIs show weakening global growth momentum in early Q2. Downturn in June’s PMI data likely due to recent Middle East developments and upcoming U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs deadline.

·      Global demand will be sensitive to the Israel-Iran conflict's evolution.

·      Volume in and out of Europe remain strong.

 

Capacity Outlook:

·      A ceasefire in the Iran-Israel conflict is holding after the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, reducing risks for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

·      Carriers, having added capacity on the Transpacific quickly to capture early gains, now face oversupply as the momentum slows. Blank sailings coming.

·      In the Asia-Europe trade, the market remains strong, with capacity aligned with demand.

·      Volatility is expected to persist as trade tensions and political uncertainties dampen business outlook.

 

 

Ocean Reefer Market Update Q3 2025

Introduction: Freight rates remain elevated but relatively stable, particularly on high-demand routes.

 

Outlook: Despite stabilization after Q1/Q2 spikes, reefer rates remain high due to continued routing inefficiencies, blank sailings, and equipment misalignment. Customers face longer lead times and are shifting to forward planning and booking earlier.

 

Capacity Outlook: Reefer capacity remains tight, with strong export demand causing regional equipment shortages.

 

Reefer Container Equipment Availability:

·      Oceania- Balanced

·      China- Balanced

·      South East Asia- Balanced

 

 

DHL Global Air Cargo Update June 2025


Global Air Cargo Demand:

 

High demand driven by e-commerce and front-loaded consumer goods remain the strongest growth engine for air cargo. Tech and industrial freight continue to drive critical lanes for semiconductors and electronics, while pharma and perishables support premium cargo volumes.

 

Key lanes with significant growth YoY YTD May’25, Intra-Asia Pacific at 11%, consistently growing in double digits, Europe to North America at 8% and North America to Latin America at 18%.

 



Access ZG (access-zg.com) provides services to international logistics & trade participants, specialising in connecting with Asian markets.  

 

Thanks for taking the time to read and hope you gained some valuable insights,


Jeffrey Levy CA 

Founder

ACCESS ZG 

_______________________________

Phone: 0417 275 262           

           +86 18813902084

WhatsApp: +61 417 275 262

WeChat: Jiefu888Jeff

 
 
 

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