Here in Australia, Federal and State governments have affirmed their commitment to keep the cargo flowing. At a meeting between COAG’s Transport and Infrastructure Council (TIC) and State and Territory Transport Ministers, Chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, all ministers in attendance formally affirmed the critical role the freight sector plays in providing essential supplies of food, medicine or other goods to communities around Australia, and the need to support the industry in the face of this unprecedented situation.
Seafreight Update
In China, business in general is recovering. Nation-wide, work resumption is above 80%. Terminal, depot and CFS operations in China are almost back to normal. The availability of reefer plugs at terminals in Tianjin, Shanghai and Ningbo has improved. As carriers still see a decline in demand for shipments from China, they continue to announce blank sailings, which will probably continue until the end of March.
– China’s manufacturing sector is also recovering with factories across the nation resuming production.
– Hubei Province ended its lockdown on March 25, work and production resumption to be followed.
– Lockdown for Wuhan City will end on April 8.
– China’s production has returned to close to normal.
– Transport movements, including trucking services, are also returning to normal status.
– China export trade starts to feel some impact due to supply chain disruption and the closure of business and manufacturing overseas.
Airfreight Update
– The overall situation with regard to the operational status of airports, truckers and customs clearance in China have returned to 90% of normal levels.
– Only Wuhan airport remains closed to commercial traffic.
– Production recovery is leading to an emerging transportation demand adding pressure on available capacity.
– Even though passenger flights are still cancelled outbound China and Intra-Asia capacity is slowly recovering due to the freighter increase.Â
– Pressure on capacity caused by limited passenger flight activity is seen in the majority of South Asia Pacific countries. Â
– The capacity situation in India is becoming challenging as well due to the increased cancellations of passenger flights resulting in rate increase and longer transit.
We will continue to issue regular updates on the effects on international trade and shipping as a result of COVID-19 as the situation unfolds. As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, Colless Young offers you correct, professional advice on all your import and export shipping needs. We are based in Brisbane and handle cargo at all major ports and airports around Australia.
