EXTRACT
Paul Zalai, director of the Freight & Trade Alliance (F&TA), said: "The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are quickly paling into insignificance in comparison to the inability of Port Botany to provide New South Wales exporters and importers an effective international gateway to market."
And he lashed out at plans by shipping lines to introduce port congestion surcharges, which would, he said, "rub salt in the wounds of an industry on its knees."
For example, MSC announced a US$300 per teu Sydney port congestion surcharge from Monday and CMA CGM's ANL a $285 equivalent from Thursday.
"This will see grain exporters having to absorb an extra AU$17 (US$12.40) per tonne of direct costs, making product uncompetitive – a devastating blow for an industry that has fixed contracts with overseas buyers," added Mr Zalai.