New Zealand Overview
Air Terminals
Air NZ and Menzies are currently operational with no major disruptions reported.
Landside
- The integration of ACFS and CODA operations under the ACFS Port Logistics brand in New Zealand has gone ahead. There will be two ACFS Freight Stations in Auckland.
- BMSB season to start with shipments leaving 1st of September. No changes to advise at this stage other than Uzbekistan being added to the list of countries, we expect to run the season the same as last year.
- MetroPort Vehicle Booking System Charges (VBS) increase – Effective 1 September 2025.
Customs Update
A reminder to exporters and importers that the Goods Fees rates have changed from 1 July 2025.
- Export Entry Transaction Fee $5.44
- Import Entry Transaction Fee $92.87
Government has opened a $30 million fund aimed at strengthening coastal shipping in NZ.
More information here: transporttalk.co.nz/news
BMSB season to start with shipments leaving 1st of September. No changes to advise at this stage other than Uzbekistan being added to the list of countries, we expect to run the season the same as last year.
United States Increases Tariffs on New Zealand Exports to 15%
As you may be aware the United States announced that they have increased tariffs on New Zealand goods from 10% to 15% effective from 7 August.
Airfreight Update
North America
Imports
- Shipments are moving as booked with good capacity across most carriers.
- Rates have remained stable for early August, with no fluctuations at this stage.
Exports
Space remains limited on certain sectors during the New Zealand winter period due to reduced
services and capacity.
Europe
Imports
- While most consols are moving as scheduled, there are minor to moderate delays expected (1–3 days),
often due to routing adjustments and operational bottlenecks. - Strong demand and limited capacity into Auckland are driving rate volatility and ongoing space constraints.
Exports
Capacity via Asia and Middle Eastern airlines remains generally stable.
However, space into London is currently very limited, with most airlines experiencing delays.
Asia
Imports
- Capacity issues persist from many origins due to reduced services of the Airlines, ocean delays and the conversion of shipments to air transport, particularly from China, Singapore and South Korea.
- Rates remain volatile across key trade lanes due to high demand and limited space
- availability.
Exports
Shipments are operating on schedule with generally good carrier capacity.
Trans-Tasman
Imports
Shipments are generally moving as booked with capacity available on most carriers.
Exports
Shipments are moving as booked and capacity remains available on most routes.
Ocean Freight Update
Asia
Import
Uncertainty remains the common theme as we enter the traditional “Peak Season” from Asia. Some shipping lines have pressed on with General Rate Increases / Rate Restorations (for short term rates) and Peak Season Surcharges on long term contracts, however others are taking a more cautious approach as they look to see clearer signs as to whether things are ramping up.
The quality of the containers that are being released to shippers is becoming an issue, with more containers being utilized with longer transits to/from Europe. If you or your supplier require a Food/Premium Grade container, please let your Key Account Manager know at the time of placing the order, however it is worth noting that these requests will attract a surcharge for a Premium Grade container.
As most bookings from Asia move on FOB terms, it is important your supplier’s nominated trucking company is notifying of any damage to the container provided before leaving the empty depot (weather-tightness issues etc.).
Congestion at South-East Asian tranship ports (Singapore/Malaysia) is starting to become worse however does seem to vary between shipping lines, often those with a higher proportion of European cargo moving through these ports seem to be worse off. This can quickly snowball into a broader issue for all shipping lines, so we will continue to monitor in the coming weeks.
ANL have announced a new service operating from North Asia to/from Papua New Guinea & Far North Queensland to commence mid-September. Vessels will call directly at main ports in North China & Korea, as well as Lae, Port Moresby, Brisbane, Gladstone & Townsville, with tranship connections to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu & Noumea.
Export
- Some Carriers are experiencing Transhipment delays in Singapore of 2-3 weeks.
- Space remains tight on most service to and via Asian ports – we recommend booking at least
3 weeks in advance. - Reefer space and equipment is starting to become more available.
Trans-Tasman
Cosco & OOCL have announced that their dedicated Trans-Tasman service will add a direct call at Wellington from the start of September.
Import
20’ containers are still in short supply across Australia. Please speak with your Key Account Manager for options.
Export
All NZ export services have immediate availability.
Europe
Red Sea is still at risk of attacks by Houthi rebels. Maersk and CMA have not announced any return to the Suez Canal. Services continue to sail around the Cape of Good Hope.
Import
- BMSB season will start again on September 1st 2025.
- Summer holidays in Europe may mean suppliers close for a period or operate at reduced hours.
- We have seen increased customs inspections from European ports particularly on cargo with any military connection.
- UK shipments to NZ now need to pre-cleared using the EU’s ICS2 system. This is because UK vessels transit through EU ports before heading out to Asia.
- Vessels are delayed into Europe from the Cape of Good Hope. On time arrivals are as low as 21%. This is causing the weekly schedules to be disrupted.
- 20’ reefers are in low supply across Europe.
Export
- Reefer space and equipment is scarce.
- Vessels are heavily booked. Bookings need to be made 3-4 weeks in advance.
- European ports are heavily congested.
North America
- MSC have announced that they will launch a standalone Eagle Service from Australia / New Zealand to / from USA East Coast commencing February 2026.
MSC will deploy 11 vessels on this weekly rotation. This new service will also provide connections through Panama to / from Europe, Central and South America, as well as USA Gulf Ports. - At this stage, the service rotation will call at the following ports, however this could be amended prior to the start date in early 2026:
Philadelphia – Savannah – Freeport – Rodman – Papeete – Auckland – Sydney – Melbourne
– Brisbane – Tauranga
– Cristobal – Philadelphia - Vancouver – No berthing delays. Import rail dwell average has reduced slightly to 4 days.
- Panama Canal services for ANP/OC1 service – Space is starting to free up, we still encourage that bookings are placed in 3+ weeks in advance of departure.
US Terminal Operations
New York – Berthing is delayed by 6 hours. Import rail dwell time is down to 1.1 days.
Norfolk – no berthing delays
Charleston – no berthing delays
Savannah – Average wait time for a berth is 0.7 days.
Houston – Waiting time of 3 hours for a berth.
Oakland – no berthing delays. Average import delivery timeframe is running at 4 days.
Seattle – no berthing delays. Terminal 18 is now open 5 days per week having previously
closed on Fridays. Rail import dwell time remains at 3 days.
Long Beach – Congestion on port has not improved with delays of 4-8 days.
Export
- The US baseline tariff is increasing from 10% to 15% – Goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 7 days after the date of this order (31st July), and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 5, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed.
- A tariff of 50% has been announced on all refined copper and semi-finished goods effective August 1st. The US steel duty recently increased from 25% to 50% of the FOB value with immediate effect June 4, this captures any cargo not previously customs cleared into the USA.
- West Coast North America – The direct service to West Coast of the US & Canada is seeing unprecedented demand, combined with the blank sailing in week 36 we are seeing ships heavily booked through to September.
- Reefer equipment is starting to free up, space is scarce for the West Coast.
Customer Advisory
For more specific information / requirements please ask your Harders NZ Key Account Manager.
We will continue to evaluate all market options and work with you to provide individual solutions for your business.