MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT - FTA / APSA MEDIA CAMPAIGN - Update 3

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) are closely monitoring the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East following major military action over the weekend.

As noted in our earlier member updates, the situation continues to cause significant disruption to global aviation and air cargo networks, alongside impacts on containerised shipping — with consequential effects on Australian supply chains.

Of particular concern is the imposition of shipping line surcharges, which has reinforced our call for regulatory reform aligned with the US legislation, requiring shipping lines to provide a minimum 30-day notice period.

In line with our role during periods of supply chain disruption, FTA and APSA have led public awareness of these implications through our high-profile mainstream media presence.

A special note of recognition goes to Tom Jensen, General Manager – Freight Policy & Operations (FTA/APSA), for taking the lead on our latest media campaign.

DCN - National focus key to freight productivity, says FTA

The FTA has just lodged its submission to the Select Committee on Productivity in Australia, challenging what it argued was shipping line market concentration and poor vessel turnaround times at ports.

"Australia's productivity is being materially undermined by persistent and escalating inefficiencies and cost impositions across the supply chain. READ MORE

Sky News Business Now - Middle East Tensions Drive Up Shipping Costs for Australian Trade

Edward Boyd from Sky News interviews Tom Jensen, General Manager Freight Policy & Operations, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) / Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), on the escalating impact of Middle East tensions on global supply chains and what it means for shipping costs and Australia more broadly. READ MORE

ABC News Breakfast - Middle East Supply Chain Impacts

FTA/APSA spoke with ABC News Breakfast outlining the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure, together with shipping lines reportedly imposing emergency conflict surcharges of around USD $2,000 per container and $4,000 per reefer; in many cases applied to cargo already on the water. READ MORE

Grain Central - Middle East conflict sparks slew of shipping charges

SHIPPING diversions and new surcharges are already generating additional costs for Australian exporters as shipping companies react to heightened conflict in the Middle East, according to Australia's Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA)  . READ MORE

DCN - Middle East conflict: what does it mean for Australian shippers?

The DCN article reports that escalating conflict in the Middle East is already placing immediate cost pressure on Australian importers and exporters, as shipping lines introduce war-risk surcharges and reroute services. Even with limited direct trade exposure, disruptions to transhipment networks are reducing capacity, extending transit times and creating sudden, unbudgeted cost increases for cargo owners. READ MORE

The Australian - Shipping lines have slapped surcharges on shipping containers

The Australian reports that escalating Middle East conflict has led to container lines imposing "war" and "emergency conflict" surcharges of up to US$4,000 per refrigerated container, with some applied retrospectively — creating immediate and unplanned cost pressure for Australian exporters. READ MORE

Courier Mail - Iran fallout: What the US war on Iran means for petrol prices, inflation and interest rates in Australia

The Courier Mail reports that escalating Middle East tensions have rattled markets, wiping around $20 billion from the ASX200 amid surging oil prices and global uncertainty. The article highlights concerns that disruptions to energy flows and shipping routes could flow through to higher fuel, freight and consumer costs in Australia, with new war-risk surcharges adding immediate pressure on importers and exporters. READ MORE

ABC The World Today - Businesses brace for impact of war



Tom Jensen, General Manager Freight Policy & Operations at the Freight & Trade Alliance | Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) talks to the the ABC on the cost impacts to shipping as a result of the threats against vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. READ MORE

Previous Updates
 

Paul Zalai - Director FTA / Secretariat APSA