The Loadstar - Australias China-dependent economy starts to feel the effect of the virus

John Park, head of business operations at the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), said: "What we are hearing is that fresh produce exporters of fruit, vegetables and meats, along with the wine industry, are feeling the pinch simply because China has become such a large consumer of these products."

And surcharges on reefers remains another issue for exporters, he noted, with FTA members reporting blanked sailings for direct voyages.

"Members are also concerned at peak season surcharges, not only on China outbound, but also on Europe or US trades to Oceania, due the shortage of empties in those areas caused by no exports from China," Mr Park said.

And the outlook for Australia's airfreight market is little better.

"There are still limited passenger flights that carry cargo in belly space," Mr Park explained. "Some airlines providing specific cargo charter flights are pricing higher than normal. For example, a freight forwarder who usually paid around $2 per kg, today was offered $5 per kg on a freighter. "