New Zealand Overview
Air Terminals
Air NZ and Menzies are currently operational with no major disruptions reported. However, seasonal winter illnesses have led to some staff shortages, which may cause processing delays during peak periods.
Landside
- Container movements from Port of Tauranga into Metroport are delayed due to the four day Block of Line 20th to 23rd June. Average turn around is currently 9 days post discharge.
- KiwiRail will implement a Block of Line from 28th June to July 12th. Road Bridging will be in place to move containers planned on Rail.
- MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company wishes to advise customers that to maintain service level, a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) will be implemented on all cargo moving from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia to Australia and New Zealand.
- MSC New Zealand Origin Terminal Handling Charge increasing Effective date: August 2nd 2025
- ANL will be implementing a rate restoration program from 1st August 2025 for all shipments from
Asia, Indian Sub-continent & middle East to Australia and New Zealand. This increase will apply on
top of current Spot and FAK Rates. - Port of Tauranga/MetroPort has advised of a significant increase to their Vehicle Booking System (VBS) charges, effective 1st September 2025.
Air Freight Update
North America
Imports
- Consols are moving as booked with good capacity across most carriers.
- Increased order and quote activity continues across the US market.
- The addition of TN service continues to support overall capacity with no major disruptions.
- Airfreight rates for consol cargo have remained stable across May and early June; however, forward-looking pricing may be influenced by wider global disruption if the situation in the Middle East persists.
Exports
- Export capacity remains severely limited, with backlogs of 7–10 days continuing across many carriers.
- United Airlines reports space delays of up to 14 days.
- Air NZ services to the US have more consistent availability.
- Backlogs may worsen if aircraft reallocation continues due to the Middle East situation.
Europe
Imports
- While most consols are moving as scheduled, there are increasing reports of minor to moderate delays (1–3 days), often due to routing adjustments and operational bottlenecks.
- The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has forced some flights to divert via Dubai and Muscat, displacing aircraft and crews. This has disrupted several schedules, particularly those of carriers like Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines.
- Non-Middle Eastern carriers transiting the region are also adjusting fuel loads in anticipation of longer diversions, leading to potential payload restrictions.
- Expect a likely decrease in capacity and an upward pressure on rates—including fuel and war surcharges—as carriers rework flight plans and prioritise repositioning aircraft and passengers.
Exports
- Capacity previously stable via Middle East and Asian hubs is now under pressure due to regional conflict.
- Escalation of the war and involvement of additional countries have forced key carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Turkish) to re-route or cancel services.
- Schedules are being reworked with airlines prioritising repositioning of aircraft, crew, and displaced passengers.
- Expect reduced capacity, possible transit delays, and increased rates driven by surcharges and route diversions.
Asia
Imports
- Capacity constraints persist from several origins due to ongoing ocean freight delays and the subsequent shift of cargo to air transport.
- Guangzhou remains a key pressure point, with demand continuing to outpace available capacity.
- Rates remain volatile across key trade lanes due to high demand and limited space availability. The situation has worsened slightly with capacity tightening further in some Asian hubs, partly due to schedule disruption and aircraft displacement linked to the growing Middle East conflict.
Exports
Consols are operating on schedule with generally good carrier capacity.
Trans-Tasman
Imports
- Consols are generally moving as booked with capacity available on most carriers.
- Heightened security protocols in Melbourne continue to impact dense cargo, causing handling
delays and additional screening costs. - Airlines are taking a stricter stance on uplift approvals, particularly for shipments that trigger added security processing.
Exports
Consols are moving as booked, with capacity available on most carriers.
Ocean Freight Update
Asia
Import
Geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East, continue to rise and recent speculation that Iran may close the Strait of Hormuz could not only have a dramatic impact on shipping to/from Gulf ports (Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Dammam etc.) but also may cause a notable increase in the cost of fuel for vessels. At the time of writing this, there is a ceasefire in place between Iran and Israel however recent events have proven that things can change quickly.
With a trade deal between USA and China looking increasingly more likely, pressure has come off the Trans-Pacific trade, with shippers and consignees not pushing as hard to move freight within the 90 day tariff pause. This means that the issues we potentially faced with a shortage of empty containers have reduced somewhat however the risk is not completely removed until we see a few more rotations of those Trans-Pacific sailings.
The National Day Holiday in China (1st to 7th October) is now within sight and typically represents a deadline to get goods on ships from China to ensure they are in stock in time for the Christmas rush and there can often be challenges getting trucks (both FCL and LCL) for the fortnight leading up to this, even goods ready a week or 2 prior to the holiday can struggle to make it onto vessels.
Whilst this is still slightly over 3 months away, suppliers may find themselves with backlogs due to the fluctuating trade with the USA, so it is worth discussing with them earlier, rather than later, their production plans.
Export
- Some Carriers are experiencing Transshipment delays in Singapore of 2 weeks.
- Space remains tight on most service to and via Asian ports – we recommend booking at least 4 weeks in advance in order to secure.
- Reefer space and equipment remains in high demand.
- Reefer space and equipment is scarce.
Trans-Tasman
Import
20’ containers are still in short supply across Australia. Please speak with your Customer Services Representative for options.
Export
Most 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.
- Congestion at Port of Antwerp, Rotterdam, is ongoing and will take 4-5 weeks to clear. Bremerhaven has improved and space is available 3 weeks out. We have also seen increased customs inspections from these 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 off window arriving 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
- New York Rail Congestion – The rail service has improved, dwell times are now at “normal” levels of 2.3 days.
- Vancouver – No berthing delays. Import rail dwell average has increased slightly to 4.8 days.
- Panama Canal services for ANP/OC1 service – Vessels are heavily booked 3+ weeks in advance of departure. Congestion in Cartagena is resulting in delayed transshipment, delays vary depending on the Carrier.
US Terminal Operations
New York – berthing is delayed by 6 hours. Alternative depots have been made available to assist with dehiring empty containers and chassis’.
Charleston – no berthing delays.
Savannah – average wait time for a berth is 1-2 days.
Houston – waiting time of 3 hours for a berth.
Oakland – no berthing delays, OICT terminal have 3 cranes are out of order.
Seattle – No berthing delays. Terminal 18 is now open 5 days per week having previously closed on Fridays. Rail import dwell time is 2.2 days.
Long Beach – Congestion on port is seeing delays of 4-8 days.
Export
- The US steel duty 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.
- Reefer space and equipment is scarce on NZ export services.
- West Coast North America – There is no departure in week 25, The next vessel Seattle vessel after the Mate v 521N, ETD Tauranga 16/6 is the CMA CGM Dutch Harbor 523N scheduled to depart Tauranga 3/7.
Customs Update
A reminder to exporters and importers that the Goods Fees rates will change from 1 July 2025.
- Export Entry Transaction Fee $6.26
- Import Entry Transaction Fee $94.61
Government has opened a $30 million fund aimed at strengthening coastal shipping in NZ. https://transporttalk.co.nz/news/
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.