We are seeing some positive signs of change in Shanghai with residents being allowed out of their homes and many are hopeful of a return to offices around mid June.

In much welcomed news we are starting to see some rate relief on the CN to AU trade lane. However delays are still being experienced globally.

The Chinese Government is pursuing a COVID zero policy and have locked significant areas of Shanghai impacting both air and sea freight movements.

These constant increases have been driven by the global supply chain disruptions, due to the pandemic, port closures, congestion and more recently the Ukraine crisis.

Please be advised that China has been declared an emerging risk country for BMSB for the remainder of the 2021-22 BMSB season.

Air freight cargo capacity is going to continue to be very tight throughout 2022 and indications are that rates will remain on the high side.

Australia and the UK have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) claimed to be the most comprehensive free agreement that Australia has concluded other than with New Zealand.

In years gone by, we would just be updating you with the Chinese New Year (CNY) dates and the approximate last date whereby a container could be booked prior to CNY. Unfortunately, there is so much more happening at the same time as CNY that will affect your shipments.

With International trade challenges set to continue into 2022 it is important to take the time to review some lessons from 2021 as part of your 2022 planning.