Reefer Rush: Korean Buyers Driving a Scramble for Aussie Cold Chain
South Korea has stepped up imports of Australian beef, lamb, dairy and chilled foods, creating one of the most intense reefer-space environments seen this year. With Korean retail and food-service demand rising into the winter season, carriers on the Australia–North Asia lane are reporting high utilisation of 40RH equipment and reduced flexibility for late bookings.
This surge is part of a broader trend: Korean consumers continue to favour Australian meat and dairy due to quality consistency and strong trade ties. As a result, export volumes out of Melbourne and Adelaide have climbed sharply, tightening space across several key weekly services.
Impact on Aussie Exporters
Reefer exporters are already encountering earlier booking cut-offs, equipment shortages and limited NAC allocations. Some carriers are prioritising long-term contracts, leaving spot exporters to compete for fewer available units.
The consequences are tangible: potential rollovers, increased operational costs from alternate routings, and the need for more rigid packing schedules. Perishable exporters must manage these constraints cautiously, as delays to cold-chain cargo can result in reduced product quality or lost market opportunities.
Impact on Aussie Importers
While importers aren’t directly tied to Korea’s demand surge, they can still feel the strain. Reefer equipment shortages on outbound services reduce the availability of inbound units, occasionally tightening plug capacity and shifting container flows at Australian ports. Importers handling frozen foods, pharmaceuticals or temperature-controlled goods should take note of potential delays.
How Exporters and Importers Can Navigate the Crunch
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead for all reefer cargo to Korea and Northeast Asia.
- Share volume forecasts with carriers to lock in consistent allocations.
- Use premium loading services for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.
- Consider routing via Brisbane or Fremantle if Melbourne space becomes limited.
- Maintain open communication with buyers regarding possible transit extensions.
Source: North Asia reefer utilisation insights & Australian export allocation reports
Disclaimer – Market data is from public sources we consider reliable but has not been independently verified; accuracy is not guaranteed