Australia's illegal tobacco trade is often discussed in terms of organised crime and lost government revenue. But there is another side to the story. Legitimate importers are increasingly facing costly delays, storage charges and supply chain disruption as border enforcement activities intensify. We explore the hidden impact on compliant businesses and why protecting legitimate trade should be part of Australia's response.

SailGP returns to Fremantle in February 2027. While the harbour will remain open, temporary operational changes could affect cargo movements through the port.

Buying from multiple suppliers in China doesn't have to mean managing multiple shipments. Consolidating cargo into a single container can help reduce freight costs, simplify logistics and improve supply chain efficiency.

The 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) has been released, ranking 400 container ports worldwide based on vessel turnaround times and operational efficiency. While China continues to dominate the global rankings, Australia's ports delivered mixed results, with Melbourne and Brisbane recording significant improvements. Here's what the rankings measure, how Australian ports performed, and why the results should be viewed in context.

The Fremantle Traffic Bridge replacement continues to make strong progress, with the bridge deck now 80% complete. Despite the scale of the project, traffic has continued to flow well, with minimal disruption to freight movements and the travelling public.

The Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping, however the security situation continues to evolve rapidly following renewed military activity and reported attacks on commercial vessels. Shipping lines are closely monitoring developments and adjusting operations where required, meaning vessel schedules, routing and transit times may change with little notice.

For years, filling a container was the goal. But with changing demand, tighter vessel space and increasing pressure on cash flow, more importers are discovering that bigger isn't always better. Could LCL be the smarter choice for your supply chain?

Did you know that around 280 million shipping containers travel the world's oceans each year? Despite a rise in container losses during 2025, the chances of a container being lost remain remarkably low. Here's what the latest report reveals, and why it still pays to be prepared.

This year's International Day of the Seafarer theme, "Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.", recognises the vital role seafarers play in keeping goods moving around the world, often in challenging and unpredictable conditions.

Fremantle Ports is preparing for a forecast adverse weather event between 26 and 28 June, with precautionary vessel evacuations and operational disruptions likely to impact shipping schedules and cargo movements.

China's revised Maritime Code came into effect on 1 May 2026 and could have implications for businesses importing goods through Chinese ports. With the potential for Chinese maritime law to apply to certain shipping contracts, now may be the time for importers to review their contractual arrangements and understand where additional risks may exist.

The China-Australia trade lane is becoming increasingly competitive, with Melbourne and Port Botany set to receive a new weekly express service from Qingdao, Shanghai and Shekou. The additional capacity provides importers with more options and faster transit times ahead of the peak shipping season.

What happens within Asia doesn't stay within Asia. As intra-Asia freight rates surge to their highest level since May 2023, Australian supply chains are beginning to feel the impact.

Australian Border Force cargo reporting data for May highlights the growing importance of air freight in Australia's supply chains. Air cargo reports increased 20% year-on-year, significantly outpacing sea freight and reflecting broader global trends as businesses continue to prioritise speed, flexibility and reliability.

The cheapest freight rate isn't always the cheapest shipping option. Fuel surcharges, congestion fees and a growing range of additional charges can significantly alter the true cost of moving cargo. As supply chains become more complex, understanding what's included in a freight quote has never been more important.

This week's wrap-up covers easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, another jump in container freight rates, growing congestion at key global ports, and the question of whether a traditional shipping "peak season" still exists. Plus, a quick look at some of the other developments shaping global trade and logistics.

A cargo ship launched in China last weekend may not have attracted the same attention as a new Airbus aircraft, but the two are more closely connected than they appear. Designed to transport aircraft components across the Atlantic, the vessel combines wind-assisted propulsion, alternative fuels and advanced routing technology in a project that could help shape the future of sustainable shipping.

Fuel prices are expected to rise from 1 July, but the impact may extend well beyond the cost of filling up a vehicle. From higher surcharges to emerging lubricant shortages, ongoing disruption in global energy markets could place additional pressure on supply chains and the cost of moving goods.

Freight rates are climbing again, but this may not be the demand driven peak season many are expecting. As importers rush shipments forward and global disruptions continue to impact supply chains, the real story behind rising freight costs is more complex than it first appears.

Freight rates are creeping higher again, geopolitical tensions are back in the spotlight, and supply chains are facing fresh uncertainty. This week's update covers the latest developments in container shipping, global trade and logistics, from rising freight rates and Middle East disruptions to major port investments and industry news from around the world. We also take a closer look at Daphne, a recent addition to ONE's WAU service, and ask whether container ships are staying in service longer than ever before.