China\u2013Australia Freight Forwarding Specialist | Guangzhou Allwin Logistic<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
China to Australia Freight Market Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Week 38 | 21\u201327 September 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall Market Status:<\/strong> \ud83d\udfe0 Elevated Disruption<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mid-Autumn Festival falls this week (25\u201327 Sep). The pre-holiday rush is at its peak. Most of the space have been fully booked in advance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The China \u2192 Australia shipping market is showing early signs of recovery<\/strong>, but East China remains under pressure following the recent typhoon disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shanghai and Ningbo congestion has eased slightly<\/strong>, but vessel waiting times, high yard utilisation and schedule delays remain above normal levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, freight rates from China to Australia continue to increase<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air freight rates to Australia rose again this week. Air freight rates have increased by approximately 8% compared to last week. Based on our booking data from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air freight rates to Australia have increased for four reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unstable weather reduced aircraft payload. At Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, China Southern cargo waits about one week. Hainan Airlines needs seven days planning. Other Chinese airports show 1-2 day backlogs (Allwin operational data, Week 38).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shanghai vessel waits average 4-7 days. Ningbo waits 3-6 days. When sea transit stretches to 20+ days, importers switch to air to protect stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mid-Autumn Festival holiday runs from September 25 to September 27. October shipments are approaching China’s National Day and Golden Week period. Capacity planning becomes increasingly important as carriers adjust schedules around the holiday period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n October-December Christmas and e-commerce demand typically adds 15-40% peak surcharge. Airlines are already tightening belly space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For urgent cargo, we recommend requesting an international air freight quote<\/strong> before production is completed. Accurate carton dimensions, gross weight and cargo-ready date allow the forwarder to compare airline capacity and routing options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ocean freight cost to Australia has climbed for three rounds of rate restoration in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Week 38 Shanghai\u2013Sydney SCFI benchmark reached approximately USD 5,510 per FEU<\/strong>, an increase of 4% from Week 37<\/strong>. Week 37 had already increased by around 7%, indicating continued rate pressure on the trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carrier actions also support this trend. MSC introduced a USD 500\/TEU Service Disruption Surcharge<\/strong> from 15 September for certain long-term cargo moving from China and other Asian origins to Australia. ANL has separately announced a USD 500\/20′ and USD 1,000\/40′ rate restoration<\/strong> for North East Asia \u2192 Australia shipments from 1 October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These measures do not mean every shipment will increase by the same percentage. Actual quotations depend on carrier, origin, destination, equipment, contract terms and booking date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The blank sailing rate on Australia trades rose from 6% to 9% in September. Carriers are withholding capacity through Golden Week (Weeks 39-43).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This indicates that rate pressure is likely to continue into October, although actual quotations will vary by carrier, origin, equipment and booking date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our recommendation:<\/strong> confirm October bookings early and compare alternative carriers or origin ports where practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day Holidays<\/strong> By Sea<\/strong>: Schedule reliability remains the key concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blank sailings are expected through Golden Week (Weeks 39\u201343). Ocean Alliance, MSC and others have announced significant capacity cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MSC has introduced a USD 500\/TEU Service Disruption Surcharge<\/strong> for certain long-term cargo moving from China and other Asian origins to Australia, effective 15 September<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For shipments with firm delivery deadlines, we recommend checking the latest vessel schedule and revised ETA before dispatch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expected impact:<\/strong> ETD\/ETA delays persist. Golden Week will tighten space further. Book now for October shipments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, due to factors such as severe schedule delays and port congestion, some shipping lines are adjusting the sequence of port calls in Australia to mitigate delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consequently, the arrival of some cargo destined for Sydney will be delayed by at least 3\u20136 days beyond the original schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, Maersk<\/strong> has announced a temporary adjustment to its Qilin service (Shanghai – Hong Kong – Melbourne \/ Sydney)<\/strong> covering 10 sailings. Instead of calling at both Australian ports on every voyage, Melbourne and Sydney will be served on an alternating basis across consecutive sailings. Direct flights<\/strong>: Booking and scheduling at least one week in advance<\/strong> are expected to be necessary. Shanghai \u2014 High congestion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kuehne+Nagel’s latest operational update for 9\u201315 September reports a 7-day average vessel waiting time of 4.42 days<\/strong>. Waiting times at some Yangshan and Waigaoqiao terminals remain between 7 and 8 days<\/strong>, while yard occupancy is still high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditions are expected to stabilise with some improvement from Week 38, but Shanghai remains above Kuehne+Nagel’s 4-day threshold for a heavily disrupted port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ningbo \u2014 Elevated congestion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The latest 7-day average vessel waiting time is approximately 3.19 days<\/strong>, down from 3.58 days in the previous reporting period. However, yard density remains high, and MSICT is still reporting waiting times of around 5 days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South China \u2014 Monitor closely<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the immediate weather disruption has eased, carriers are still working through accumulated delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For time-sensitive cargo, the original booking schedule should therefore be treated as a planning reference rather than a guaranteed arrival date<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No active typhoon threatens Chinese ports. Typhoon Dujuan (2625) is tracking near Japan. Saudel and Krovanh have dissipated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main risk is no longer weather. It is the accumulated backlog and the Golden Week rush.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For importers shipping from China to Australia, we recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not wait until cargo is factory-ready if the delivery deadline is fixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book air at least one week ahead. Direct flights are nearly full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shanghai and Ningbo are improving, but delays have not completely disappeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Add 7-10 days to any ocean ETA. Global schedule reliability is 56.4%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternative China gateways and carrier services may provide better space or schedule reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the cost of missing a launch, promotion or retail deadline is high, air freight can provide a faster alternative to ocean shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct treatment and documentation can help avoid unnecessary Australian biosecurity delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditions are improving gradually, particularly at Ningbo. However, Shanghai remains congested, with a 7-day average vessel waiting time of around 4.42 days and some terminals still reporting 7\u20138 day waits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Current evidence shows continued upward pressure on the China\u2013Australia trade. The Week 38 Shanghai\u2013Sydney SCFI benchmark increased 4% week on week to around USD 5,510\/FEU, while carriers have announced additional rate measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air freight is worth considering when delivery speed is more important than the lowest transport cost. It can also bypass ocean-port congestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For shipments with fixed deadlines, earlier booking is recommended while carriers continue recovering schedules and October capacity planning begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It depends on the lead time you need to meet your delivery deadline. Generally, air freight rates rose 8% week-on-week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Four reasons: Chinese airport backlogs, ocean delays diverting cargo to air, Golden Week pre-holiday demand, and Q4 peak season. Air freight rates from China to Australia typically rise in September-October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rates may soften briefly after Golden Week (after 7 October), but Q4 Christmas demand will push them up again from November. Book urgent cargo in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Send your cargo weight, volume, origin and destination. We compare direct and indirect carriers and return a same-day quote for air freight from China to Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"China](\"https:\/\/www.allwinlogistic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/China-to-Australia-Freight-Market-Overview.webp\")
Current Air Freight Rates to Australia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Air](\"https:\/\/www.allwinlogistic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Air-Freight-Rates-Increased-\u2013-Shipping-Trends-From-China-To-Australia-\u2013-Week-38-Update.webp\")
Why Air Freight Rates Increased This Week<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Chinese airport backlogs.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Ocean delays push cargo to air.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Golden Week demand.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The National Day holiday runs from October 1 to October 7.
These holidays affect factories, shipping companies, and customs operations; consequently, there is a push to ship goods out before the break begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Q4 peak season.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Why](\"https:\/\/www.allwinlogistic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Why-Air-Freight-Rates-Increased-This-Week-wk38.webp\")
Sea Freight Rates and Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sea Freight Rates to Australia Also Rising<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sea](\"https:\/\/www.allwinlogistic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Sea-Freight-Rates-to-Australia-Also-Rising-wk38.webp\")
LCL Sea Freight Special Schedule Arrangement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Week Cut-off Date
38 Sep 22<\/strong> (1 day earlier than originally scheduled)
39 Sep 28<\/strong> (2 days earlier than originally scheduled)
40 Oct 8<\/strong> (First sailing after the National Day holiday)<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"LCL](\"https:\/\/www.allwinlogistic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LCL-Sea-Freight-Special-Schedule-Arrangement.webp\")
Vessel\/Flight Schedule & Capacity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By Air: Due to factors such as ocean freight capacity constraints, the National Day Golden Week holiday, weather conditions, and the peak sales season, air cargo space remains tight.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indirect flights<\/strong>: Transit times for the second leg of the flight are expected to add 2\u20133 days<\/strong> to the original schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Vessel](\"https:\/\/www.allwinlogistic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Vessel-Flight-Schedule-Capacity-update-wk38.webp\")
Port & Schedule Update<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
China<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Australia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Port](\"https:\/\/www.allwinlogistic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Port-Schedule-Update-wk38.webp\")
Schedule Reliability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Weather Alert<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our Recommendation for Week 38<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Book October shipments early.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Add a schedule buffer.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Compare more than one routing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Consider air freight for urgent cargo.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Confirm BMSB requirements before dispatch.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is shipping from China to Australia improving in Week 38?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is the sea freight cost to Australia increasing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Should I use air freight from China to Australia?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How early should I book China\u2013Australia freight?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much are air freight rates to Australia right now?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why did air freight rates increase to Australia?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Will air freight rates to Australia go down in October?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do I get an international air freight quote?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
About This Weekly Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n