A new report by Nikkei Asia highlights growing concern among Australian freight and trade businesses following the rapid introduction of war-related shipping surcharges linked to the escalating conflict involving Iran.
Major carriers including CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Maersk have introduced new conflict-related charges and operational changes as vessels avoid the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding conflict zones.
Emergency surcharges now being applied on affected trade lanes range from approximately USD 1,500 to USD 4,000 per container, with some exporters also reporting rising insurance premiums and uncertainty around vessels already at sea.
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) / Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) expressed strong concern over the way the surcharges have been introduced.
Freight & Trade Alliance General Manager – Freight Policy & Operations Tom Jensen said the speed and scale of the cost increases had taken Australian cargo owners by surprise.
"The rapid application of extraordinary surcharges by some shipping lines, including in some instances where products are already in transit, has hit members hard."
Jensen also noted the wide variation between carriers, raising questions about the commercial justification for the new charges.
"You can see CMA CGM coming out with around $2,000 per TEU versus Hapag-Lloyd at roughly $1,000 — and the likes of MSC, being the largest carrier globally, are yet to announce anything at all."
The article highlights broader industry concern that the sudden charges — combined with vessel rerouting, insurance increases and disrupted schedules — could significantly raise the cost of trade for Australian exporters and importers.
Read the full article HERE.
