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.

From escalating tensions in the Middle East to mounting pressure on some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, the pace hasn’t let up. With over 100,000 vessel transits through the Strait of Malacca and renewed discussion around transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, the spotlight is firmly back on global choke points. At the same time, shifts in U.S. trade policy are driving a surge in refund claims, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already strained global supply chain.

Two MSC container vessels have been seized by Iran’s IRGC in separate incidents near the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. As hundreds of ships remain stranded, the focus is shifting from cargo to the safety and evacuation of seafarers caught in an increasingly volatile corridor.

With increased pressure on biosecurity clearance in Australia, importers must focus on documentation accuracy and inspection readiness to minimise delays and keep supply chains moving efficiently.

Global shipping disruptions have reshaped how containers move around the world, and Australia isn’t immune. From import imbalances to growing domestic demand, container availability is becoming a more complex challenge for local businesses.

Australia’s biosecurity detector dogs intercepted more than 45,500 risk items in 2025, playing a critical role in protecting the nation’s borders. Leading the pack is Detector Dog Ghost, named “Top Dog” after an exceptional year of frontline work stopping potential threats before they enter the country.

As the Middle East crisis approaches the 50 day mark, global shipping remains under pressure, with shifting vessel behaviour, easing freight rates and ongoing port congestion all pointing to a market still adjusting.

Australia’s new Trade Resilience Service (TRS) comes at a critical time, offering exporters practical logistics intelligence to navigate rising freight costs, reduced capacity, and ongoing supply chain disruption linked to developments in the Middle East.

China’s latest move at Scarborough Shoal isn’t just about a contested fishing ground, it shows how control at sea is evolving, and why it matters for global shipping.

Global air cargo volumes reached nearly 128.9 million tonnes in 2025, rising 2.9% year on year, according to Airports Council International. The data shows the continued dominance of major hubs such as Hong Kong, Shanghai Pudong and Anchorage, with the top 10 airports handling around a quarter of global volumes. For Australian importers, these trends confirm the importance of reliable air freight solutions, particularly for time-sensitive and high-value shipments.

New legislation could soon give Australian Border Force the power to issue on the spot penalties for counterfeit imports. For businesses importing into Australia, this is a clear signal to tighten supplier checks and compliance processes before the rules change.

ASEAN has become a key sourcing region for Australian importers, but recent data shows manufacturing growth is starting to slow while costs rise. What does this mean for supply chains, pricing, and freight in the months ahead?

Cocoa prices are down, but chocolate prices aren’t. This Easter is a perfect example of how supply chains really behave ,and why prices don’t always move the way we expect.

Schedule reliability is slipping again, with rising delays and ongoing disruption signalling more volatility ahead for global shipping

Airfreight rates have surged by up to 95% in just one month, driven by reduced capacity and rising fuel costs linked to ongoing Middle East disruptions, with further volatility expected.

You don’t need to fill a whole container to ship internationally. LCL shipping allows businesses to move smaller volumes efficiently, while only paying for the space they use.

We’re starting to see the ripple effects of recent disruption play out in Singapore, with increasing congestion and early signs of schedule disruption as carriers adjust their networks.

From a looming cyclone off the WA coast to rising pressure on global shipping routes, it’s been a week that shows just how quickly conditions can shift.

What started as radio chatter about rising freight costs points to a bigger reality, global shipping is facing fresh disruption, and the impact is already being felt.