Shipping Advisory: South East Asia Port Congestion and Vessel Delays
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and customer service, we want to provide our community with a timely update on current global shipping conditions that may impact delivery timelines and freight costs in the coming weeks.
Why Are Delays Happening?
Several major ports across China are currently experiencing significant congestion, resulting in delayed vessel departures and disrupted sailing schedules. The congestion is driven by a few key developments in global trade:
1. Export Surge Ahead of U.S. Tariffs
Exporters across China are fast-tracking shipments in anticipation of new U.S. tariff implementations. This rush has caused a sharp rise in outbound container volumes, overwhelming port operations and terminal capacity.
2. Vessel Re-Routing via Southeast Asia
In response to congestion and logistical bottlenecks, many shipping lines are re-routing vessels through alternative ports in Southeast Asia—particularly Vietnam—before reaching Australian port cities. While this helps balance capacity across the network, it introduces longer lead times and added complexity to standard freight routes.
3. Rising Shipping Costs Across the Board
With demand peaking and rerouting in effect, carriers have also begun applying higher freight rates. These cost increases are being seen across multiple trade lanes, including routes to Australia.
A quick insight - each coloured dot relates to a shipping vessel. What a crazy world we live in
What This Means for Swell Pack Customers
While we continue to work closely with our logistics partners to minimise disruptions, we do expect some orders to experience delays beyond standard delivery windows. We are actively monitoring the situation and will communicate any significant changes or updates as they arise.
We also encourage our clients to factor in these conditions when planning stock replenishments or launch timelines, particularly if working to seasonal or promotional schedules.
Staying Informed
As global trade dynamics shift, so too must our approach to managing inventory and supply chain expectations. We thank you for your patience, understanding, and ongoing support as we navigate this period together.
For questions about specific orders, shipments, or to speak with our team, feel free to reach out via www.swellpack.com.au or your account contact.
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