When boxes don’t move freely, Australian trade slows
Container availability is once again tightening across global trade lanes, and Australia is feeling the effects. Imbalances in container flows, seasonal export demand and vessel redeployment are reducing the number of empty containers available at Australian ports.
For both importers and exporters, equipment availability is becoming just as important as freight rates.
Why Australia Is Vulnerable
Australia relies heavily on containers repositioned from other global markets. When trade slows elsewhere, or containers are held in congested ports, Australia can be left short — particularly during peak export seasons.
Exporters face delays securing empty containers, while importers encounter uncertainty around booking confirmations and equipment release timing. Reefers and specialised equipment remain the tightest segments.
SMEs Are First to Miss Out
Large shippers often have priority access to equipment. SMEs, by contrast, face:
- Lower allocation priority
- Limited flexibility when equipment types run short
- Higher costs for urgent or premium releases
For time-sensitive exports or critical imports, a lack of containers can be more damaging than higher freight rates.
Equipment shortages may not dominate headlines, but they directly affect Australia’s ability to trade. In tight markets, SMEs that plan equipment early gain a crucial advantage — while those reacting late risk missing shipments altogether.
Source: Sea-Intelligence; UNCTAD (2026)
Disclaimer – Market data is from public sources we consider reliable but has not been independently verified; accuracy is not guaranteed