Shanghai has retained its position as the world’s largest container port for 16 consecutive years, handling more than 55 million TEU in 2025. But China’s latest maritime discussions show the focus is now shifting beyond port size toward supply chain resilience, smart logistics, shipping influence and global maritime leadership.

A major U.S. Department of Justice case is raising serious questions about the global container shortages seen during the COVID era supply chain crisis. Prosecutors allege several major Chinese container manufacturers conspired to restrict production and inflate prices at a time when businesses worldwide were battling equipment shortages, port congestion and record freight rates.

Global container shipping continues to navigate significant disruption as the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis reshapes trade flows, vessel availability and supply chain reliability. While freight markets have remained relatively stable so far, importers and exporters are facing longer transit times, operational uncertainty and shifting global trade dynamics.

Cargo volumes out of China are rising again, carrier capacity is tightening and global spot rates have recorded their sharpest weekly increase in months. Combined with ongoing congestion across key international ports and continued geopolitical disruption, the market is beginning to feel noticeably firmer heading into June.

After decades in the freight and logistics industry, Michelle and I knew no two weeks would ever look the same, but the first few months of our new venture have reinforced just how dynamic global trade continues to be. From airfreight and LCL cargo through to full container loads moving across multiple continents, it’s been a busy start built on experience, relationships and adaptability.

China’s revised Maritime Code is now in effect, and the changes could impact importers, exporters and freight forwarders involved in cargo movements linked to Chinese ports. From liability for abandoned cargo through to dispute resolution and shipping contract terms, businesses trading with China may need to take a closer look at where risk now sits within their supply chain arrangements.

Have you ever wondered how much money shipping lines actually make? The latest carrier financial results reveal a market split between billion dollar profits and sharply declining earnings, as freight rates, disruption costs and trade lane exposure reshape the container shipping industry.

The 2026-27 Federal Budget included several major announcements impacting importers, exporters and international supply chains, from tariff reform and Australian Trusted Trader changes through to biosecurity, freight resilience and fuel security. We’ve broken down the key measures and what they could mean for your business in this detailed (long) read.

Global trade remained strong into early 2026, but rising costs, geopolitical tensions and ongoing supply chain disruption are expected to slow growth through the remainder of the year. Businesses are increasingly adapting to a more fragmented and unpredictable global trade environment.

Global container shipping volumes increased by 4% in the first quarter of 2026 despite ongoing Middle East disruption, highlighting the resilience of global supply chains. Chinese ports continued to drive growth, while Dubai and US ports faced declining volumes amid geopolitical and trade pressures.

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has started the year strongly, reporting double-digit container growth and record cargo volumes in the first quarter. But beyond the numbers, the port’s performance also highlights a broader shift in how exporters are weighing efficiency, cost and reliability when choosing between China’s major shipping gateways, particularly Ningbo and Shanghai.

Fremantle Ports recorded solid trade growth in March 2026, with container volumes rising 14% year-on-year to 79,128 TEU. Export activity remained a key driver, while rail movements, vehicle imports and breakbulk cargo also showed continued resilience across Western Australia’s supply chain sector.

Container spot rates may have softened in recent weeks, but the industry is already warning against chasing the market too aggressively as peak season approaches. This week also saw Drewry’s WCI edge back up, fresh surcharges linked to Strait of Hormuz tensions, and growing discussion around the future possibility of nuclear-powered commercial shipping.

Global air cargo spot rates surged 30% year-on-year in April amid ongoing capacity disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East. With capacity now returning to key trade routes, analysts expect rates to begin easing in the weeks ahead, offering some relief for shippers navigating a volatile airfreight market.

The 2025-26 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season has officially ended as of 1 May 2026, easing seasonal biosecurity requirements for newly shipped cargo. However, goods shipped before this date from target risk countries remain subject to BMSB measures, making it critical for importers and logistics providers to stay vigilant and ensure ongoing compliance with Australia’s strict biosecurity standards.

It may have been a shortened week, but global shipping activity remained busy. Debate at the International Maritime Organisation continues to intensify around the Net Zero Framework, while ongoing Middle East tensions have seen TT Club extend war risk cover amid continued uncertainty. At the same time, global spot rates have declined for a third straight week, with some tightening in capacity also felt on the China-Australia trade ahead of Labor Day.

With China’s May Day holiday approaching, businesses should prepare for supply chain delays, capacity constraints, and documentation deadlines to keep cargo moving smoothly.

A $1.1 billion commitment to Westport marks a major step forward for WA’s future supply chain, with critical upgrades to Anketell Road set to unlock freight efficiency, reduce congestion, and support long-term trade growth.

Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws in Western Australia have reshaped transport compliance and road safety. Learn how CoR impacts the logistics supply chain in 2026.

Western Australia is moving ahead with Westport, the new container port planned for Kwinana that will eventually take over from Fremantle Port as the state’s primary trade gateway. With capacity constraints looming and freight volumes continuing to grow, the project marks a long term shift in how container cargo will move in and out of WA, with road, rail and port infrastructure being designed as one connected system.