Market Update Snapshot.

China–Australia: Peak Season Has Officially Arrived

The market has snapped into full peak-season mode — and not politely. Space has become the new gold, and carriers are flexing hard off the back of oversubscribed sailings and a rush to get cargo out before the US tariff window.

What’s happening right now

• Carriers pushed through full GRIs for 1–14 November.

• Budget services are now sitting at USD1700.00 per TEU.

• Premium carriers leading at USD1950.00 per TEU.

• Extra loaders deployed — and already filling.

• Transpacific congestion is dragging vessel capacity away from AU, tightening supply even further.

Translation: If you’re not booked, you’re not moving.

What to watch next

• Expect pricing to stay punchy through mid-Nov.

• Second half of the month may soften slightly — if utilisation cools.

• Space > price, so locking in bookings 2–3 weeks ahead isn’t optional anymore.

3 Things Importers Should Be Doing Right Now

1. Lock space early (not price). Rates are secondary — the real fight is securing uplift. If you’re not 2–3 weeks ahead, you’re gambling.

2. Split bookings across carriers. Avoid being held hostage by one service. Spreading risk = higher uplift certainty + fewer rollovers.

3. Pull forward anything remotely time-sensitive. If it needs to land before Christmas, move it now. The second half of November is still a coin toss until we see utilisation data.

Cheeky Importer Tip

Want to save money in a tight market?

Beat the panic.

The cheapest container is the one that actually makes the vessel.

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The Cargo Confidential.