If you’re shipping to or from China right now, you’ve probably already felt the flow-on effects of China freight changes. Typhoon disruptions, port congestion, vessel delays and rising freight rates are all hitting at once — right as we head into September and October, traditionally the busiest months for China-Australia trade and the start of the Christmas shipping season.
Here’s what’s happening across China ports, and what it means for your supply chain.
Summary
- Vessel schedules out of China are currently running 10 to 13 days behind, driven by typhoon disruption on top of existing congestion.
- Some carriers are bypassing Shanghai and Ningbo entirely, shifting capacity to Qingdao, Xiamen, Nansha, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
- Freight rates are expected to rise a further USD 500 to 1,000 per 20GP/40HQ from 15 September.
What’s causing the freight disruption in China
Typhoon-related disruptions are continuing to affect major East China ports, including Shanghai and Ningbo, causing repeated port closures and significant congestion.
Large numbers of feeder barges remain stranded at these ports, and some shipping lines are now bypassing Shanghai and Ningbo entirely, opting for direct calls to Qingdao, Xiamen, Nansha, Shenzhen and Hong Kong instead. As a result, available shipping capacity out of China has been substantially reduced.
This is compounding pressure that was already building. Earlier in the week, before the typhoon disruption escalated, Shanghai was already seeing anchoring wait times of 5 to 10 days (compared to the usual 2 days between berthing and departure). Additionally, Ningbo was seeing waits of 3 to 5 days, with a number of carriers already choosing to skip Shanghai calls.
Vessel delays are now running at 10 to 13 days
With carriers struggling to manage the growing backlog, vessel schedules out of China are currently experiencing widespread delays of 10 to 13 days. At the same time, factories are operating at full capacity to meet peak-season production and new order demand — so the pressure on the supply chain is expected to intensify rather than ease over the coming weeks.
If you’re shipping FCL or LCL out of Shanghai or Ningbo to Australia, expect significant delays and a heightened risk of rollovers while vessels queue for berths and capacity remains tight.
Freight rates are rising too
Congestion isn’t the only cost pressure. Major carriers — including COSCO, OOCL, ANL, MSC and PIL — have already announced General Rate Increase (GRI) and Rate Restoration (RR) notices. Market expectations indicate rates could rise by a further USD 500 to 1,000 per 20GP/40HQ from 15 September, on top of current September pricing.
How Stockwells supports your China freight
With this much volatility across ports, vessels and rates, you need a reliable partner. Stockwells has been navigating freight disruption for over 55 years, and we bring that experience to every shipment: keeping you informed with clear, timely communication.
We build visibility into your supply chain, and draw on our strong shipping line relationships to find alternative routing or consolidation options when the standard path is blocked.
We’re here as a long-term partner, working through disruptions like these alongside you, year after year.
Get in touch
With congestion, equipment shortages and rate increases all in play, the best move is to book early and stay in touch with your Stockwells team as the situation develops.
Talk to your Stockwells customer service representative today to review your shipping schedule.