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The ongoing disruption to key energy and petrochemical supply chains is creating meaningful challenges across global chemical markets. Constraints on production and logistics through critical export routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, are driving increased input costs and reduced availability across several product categories.

During periods like this, reliable logistics and diversified sourcing become critical, and Redox is actively supporting customers through these evolving conditions.

Redox’s global logistics capability enables product movements across more than 400 port pairs worldwide, supported by over 100 storage locations strategically positioned throughout key markets. Our sourcing team draws on a database of more than 7,000 manufacturers, including over 1,100 active suppliers across all major producing regions. This scale and flexibility allow Redox to rapidly redirect supply pathways, identify alternative sources, and maintain continuity wherever possible.

Across the market, Redox is observing broad-based inflation across a range of products, particularly those linked to energy and petrochemical feedstocks.

This includes polyethylene (PE) resins, where supply has tightened materially due to reduced output and disrupted export flows from major Middle Eastern producers. Upward pricing pressure is also being experienced across fertilisers, glycols, solvents, and sulphur-based products, reflecting higher feedstock costs and increased freight rates.

Many producers of downstream products have called Force Majeure and some governments have restricted exports and are introducing rationing to protect domestic consumers.

Redox’s role in times like these is to provide stability, transparency, and continuity. Our teams are working closely with suppliers and customers to secure alternative supply channels, optimise freight movements, and manage inventory positions across our global network.

We understand that disruptions of this scale create uncertainty. Our commitment is to remain agile, proactive, and fully engaged with customers to help navigate these conditions and minimise operational impact wherever possible.

Redox will continue to monitor developments closely and provide further updates as conditions evolve.

We are currently experiencing another period of exceptionally high demand, which is significantly affecting ocean freight movements to and from Singapore, as well as across Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Our Shipping Management Team advises that congestion in Singapore has reached a critical level, with continued disruptions expected in the weeks ahead. Shipping Lines have implemented a “First In, First Out” policy, limiting opportunities to advance shipments onto earlier vessels.

Feeder vessels from outports are also operating at full capacity, and shipping terminal congestion is causing many to miss scheduled connections with Singapore, further compounding delays.

 Carrier-Specific Updates

While refrigerated (reefer) cargo and medical equipment or supplies will receive priority handling, these shipments may still experience the delays noted above.

We understand these disruptions may impact your planning, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as Shipping Lines work to restore normal schedules, but we do not expect this to occur until later in the year.

For any urgent requirements or further assistance, please contact your Redox representative.

On behalf of the entire Redox team, we wish you a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Please note that our branches will be closed on all public holidays. Refer to the list below for information on our office closure dates:

Australia

New Zealand

Malaysia

United States

Due to our transport contractors’ reduced capacity and availability, deliveries may be affected. Customers are advised to plan lead times longer than usual.

Please talk to your representative or complete our online enquiry form for any further enquiries.

The global shipping industry is grappling with significant disruptions, exacerbated by the Houthi Red Seas attacks and an unprecedented surge in demand. Experts suggest the current situation could prove even more challenging than the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the major players in the shipping industry, Maersk, has introduced a Peak Season Surcharge, a measure they did not implement during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. The surcharge rates are substantial:

The market has seen a jump of over US$1000 per TEU, indicating severe price hikes across the board.

Adding to the strain, Maersk has significantly reduced its allocation from Southeast Asia due to underutilisation earlier this year. While other carriers are temporarily absorbing the excess demand, this presents an ongoing risk to logistics stability.

Transhipment Port Congestion

Transhipment ports, which typically operate smoothly, are now experiencing severe congestion, causing further delays. Cargo that requires transhipment is at high risk of being stuck for extended periods.

Additionally, moving dangerous goods (DG) through certain ports has become increasingly problematic. Recent reports indicate that congestion in Singapore has now surpassed levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding the delays.

Equipment Supply Shortages

With more containers spending longer periods at sea, the availability of empty containers at specific ports has sharply decreased. This scarcity of containers is another critical issue with no immediate solution in sight.

Increasing Lead and Shipping Times

Space for shipments from Asia to Australia is currently unavailable until the second week of July, indicating a six-week lead time. The ongoing vessel bunching and transhipment issues suggest that transit times will continue to lengthen in the coming months. While shipments from Southeast Asia to New Zealand are relatively stable for June, the overall outlook remains uncertain.

The Situation in the USA

In the United States, there is growing concern about the return of the US$10,000 container. Shipping rates are increasing by US$1000 per week, with no clear ceiling in sight. The industry is scrambling for solutions:

For more details on these developments, you can refer to the following articles:

The global logistics landscape is facing a critical juncture, and stakeholders must adapt swiftly to navigate these challenges effectively.

The beginning of 2024 has raised concerns about a potential crisis in the International Shipping industry, reminiscent of the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Various factors, including instability in the Red Sea, a drought affecting the Panama Canal, and industrial action at DP World, impact both containerised freight’s cost and reliability. In the last week of 2023, shipping rates surged by an unprecedented 40% within a single week, indicating significant disruptions. [1]

Geo-political issues, war & Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea have caused an undeniable shock to the global supply chain. Major Containerised shipping lines are now avoiding transiting the Suez Canal and instead diverting around the cape of Good Hope – adding three weeks to their transit times. With 30%[2] of Global container trade passing through the Suez, this has had significant flow on effects to all areas of shipping. Prices have been reported to have surged up to five-fold on European routes and doubled or tripled on other non-European routes. [3]

Red Sea at Aqaba in Jordan – International Shipping impacted by geo-political tensions in the Red Sea. Shipping lines diverting around Cape of Good Hope.

The Panama Canal is facing a severe drought, reducing its operational capacity. As a result, daily traffic has decreased by nearly 40% [5] compared to the previous year, with restrictions allowing only 24 vessels per day instead of the usual 36[4]. This reduction in capacity is impacting shipping lines, either causing them to divert around South America or resort to rail transport across Panama. Customers on the East Coast of America are particularly affected, experiencing increased prices and extended transit times.

Although the Asia to Oceania trade might not be directly affected by issues in the Red Sea and Panama Canal individually, combined, these areas traditionally handle a significant portion of containerised freight movements. Rerouting vessels around Africa alone reduces global containerised shipping capacity by 9% [6], leading to vessels being reallocated from Oceania and other regions. This imbalance results in price hikes and difficulties in accessing empty containers.

While Industrial action at DP World ceased at the beginning of February, the flow of effects will continue to be felt for the coming weeks and months. With a backlog of over 50,000 containers across most Australian ports and vessels out of rotation, delays can continue to be expected until this backlog is cleared. Whether related or not, the deal was reached on the same day as DP World announced prices increases of 52%[7], which will be passed on to the importer.

The hope for stability in the International Shipping Market post the Lunar New Year Holidays is tempered by continued increased transit times due to diversions around the Suez and Panama Canal. This ongoing situation will lead to sustained price and scheduling pressures. Planning ahead, allowing additional lead time, and considering increasing order sizes are advisable. Customers are encouraged to consult with their Redox representatives to devise strategies for minimising risks and addressing any shipping challenges that may arise.

 

Global shipping costs are rising due to Houthi rebel attacks on cargo ships near the Red Sea, impacting the Suez Canal and supply chains in Europe and the U.S. Shipments are delayed, and transportation costs are increasing.

In the week ending January 18, the average cost of shipping a 40-foot container worldwide rose by 23% to $3,777, more than doubling from the previous month, according to a report from London-based Drewry Shipping Consultants.

These issues extend beyond trade routes between China, Europe, and the U.S. Shipping rates from China to Los Angeles increased by 38% in the same week, reaching $3,860.

Philip Damas from Drewry Shipping Consultants notes growing unpredictability in international shipping. While big companies with long-term contracts are somewhat protected, many are paying extra fees, like a 20% surcharge, to cover higher expenses.

In Yemen, Houthi rebels attack commercial ships amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite U.S.-led protection efforts, attacks persist, causing damage to cargo ships.

The International Monetary Fund reports a 37% drop in Suez Canal traffic in 2024 compared to the previous year. Major shipping companies, including A.P. Moller-Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, reroute ships around Africa, adding over a week to travel times.

The Suez Canal is crucial to reducing international shipping disruptions due to its strategic location, providing a vital and time-saving maritime route that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing ships to bypass the lengthy and perilous trip around the southern tip of Africa.

Amidst the avoidance of the Suez and Red Sea by major shipping lines and the preference for rail transport across Panama, retailers assert their ability to handle delays. Nevertheless, Brian Bourke, SEKO Logistics’ global chief commercial officer, highlights that apparel companies, keen on timely spring fashion arrivals, are resorting to airfreight. Maersk and Hapag Lloyd, significant international containerised shipping lines, have suspended ship movements through the Bab-al Mandab Strait, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. 

Although primarily impacting Asia to North Europe and Mediterranean routes, historical incidents suggest potential serious consequences in other regions if the situation persists.

Paul Zalai, the Director of Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Secretariat of the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), refers to events from March 2021 when the mega-vessel Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal “The impact of the waterway closure for six days threw vessel schedules internationally into disarray – this may fade into insignificance compared to the current conditions that are likely to continue for a significant period with other shipping lines likely to follow, understandably not wanting to endanger the lives of seafarers, the safety of vessels and the cargoes they carry.”

“We are likely to know more in coming days – should marine insurers withdraw policies for ships passing through the area or declare the Red Sea a ”war zone”, shipping lines will be commercially left with little option but to abandon this key waterway,” Zalai said.

Zalai says the withdrawal of vessel services from the route will mean their diversion via the Cape of Good Hope. “This will add about ten days to transit times and estimated arrival dates in North Europe and Mediterranean ports – we can again expect that shipping lines will recover these costs through additional surcharges on cargoes.”

Suez Canal problems compound with challenges at the Panama Canal, limiting ship passage due to a drought.

Party City in New Jersey, facing delays of up to a week and extra charges of $300 to $500 per container from Asia to U.S. ports, strives to ensure timely store deliveries despite setbacks.

Our warehouses will be closed for an essential Stocktake on Thursday, June 29th and Friday, June 30th. 

Consequently, the final deliveries before the closure will occur on Wednesday, June 28th.

Normal operations will resume on Saturday, July 1st ready to serve you with our usual efficiency and reliability.

Please ensure you plan your orders accordingly, considering this temporary interruption in our operations. We understand the significance of maintaining a seamless supply chain for your business needs, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support team, who will gladly assist you.

The shipping market has been under immense pressure over the past year. We have seen shipping prices skyrocket and ships facing considerable delays for various reasons, most notably the pandemic. However, there is some good news on the horizon.

Shipping prices have stabilised, and shipping times have begun to improve. However, some significant uncertainties could still impact shipping in the coming months as we head into the traditional peak season for shipping. The biggest concerns are labour disputes at West Coast American ports and continued apprehension regarding COVID-19 policy within China.

Shipping during the peak season can be difficult for raw material providers as demand can grow 11-15%. The increased demand for consumer goods around the holiday season globally creates shipping issues for all, including those moving raw materials. This is because shipping lines do not prioritise raw materials over consumer goods. 

Several ongoing labour disputes are affecting major ports globally, with dealers particularly prevalent on the West Coast of the USA and in some European countries. These disputes typically result in increased dwell time and can reduce the global capacity for large container vessels. One of the main issues causing concern is the looming expiration of port workers’ contracts on the West Coast of the USA in June. Data shows congestion is already starting to build up in Californian ports, with containers waiting for more than nine days on average – the highest figures seen year to date. 

Port of Long Beach: The pandemic has put immense pressure on the shipping network, but dockworkers have continued to rise to the challenge. Their hard work has kept the US economy moving, even in difficult times.

Port of Long Beach: The pandemic has put immense pressure on the shipping network, but dockworkers have continued to rise to the challenge. Their hard work has kept the US economy moving, even in difficult times.

In Europe, there is also an ongoing threat of trade action slowing down major feeder ports in the United Kingdom and Germany, which would have flow-on effects across the continent. While it is difficult to predict the outcome of these disputes, it is clear that they are having a significant impact on global trade.

The appearance of the Omicron strain in China led to a 70-day lockdown of Shanghai, which resulted in delays for 20% of the world’s container ships. This had a significant impact on the ability of suppliers to manufacturing goods globally. Another lockdown could occur in any city, province or port, which would further delays and disruptions. The continued zero COVID-19 policy in China is an ongoing, difficult to predictable variable in global shipping.

Despite the challenges of 2020, the shipping industry has shown its resilience in the face of disruption. And while the worst of the COVID-19-induced supply disruptions may be over, it is crucial to be prepared for continued uncertainty ahead. The good news is that carriers are already planning for the 2022 shipping peak season and are implementing measures to avoid a repeat of last year’s disruption. 

It is essential to discuss strategies to mitigate shipping issues with your sales representative and book stock well ahead of time to minimise risk. Doing so can help ensure that your materials arrive promptly and without incident.

Redox has reaffirmed our commitment to the health, safety, and security of our employees, community, and the environment, by successfully passing NACD’s Responsible Distribution® verification for the current three-year cycle.

Responsible Distribution is the National Association of Chemical Distributor’s (NACD) third-party-verified environmental, health, safety, and security program. It allows members to demonstrate their pledge to continuous performance improvement in chemical storage, handling, transportation, and disposal.

In December 1991, the member companies of NACD undertook as its most important mission the inception of Responsible Distribution, developed by NACD members for NACD members. 

Responsible Distribution is a mandatory third-party verified environmental, health, safety & security program that lets members demonstrate their commitment to continuous performance improvement in every phase of chemical storage, handling, transportation, and disposal. 

NACD members play a leadership role in their communities as information resources. They are eager to provide the same assistance and guidance to local, state, and federal legislators on technical issues relating to the safe handling, storage, transportation, use, and disposal of chemical products.  

Key Benefits of Responsible Distribution

“Responsible Distribution is critical to the chemical distribution industry’s ability to safely deliver more than 30 million tons of product every year,” said NACD President and CEO Eric R. Byer. 

“Through their successful verification, Redox and its senior leadership have committed to continuous improvement in the responsible management and handling of chemicals that ensures NACD members effectively support the industries America relies on most, such as agriculture, healthcare, oil and gas, manufacturing equipment, and many others.”

Please click here to view NACD Responsible Distribution’s Guiding Principles.

COVID-19 in China, increased pricing and international tensions continue to significantly impact the global container shipping industry. While spot shipping prices have reduced 10% this year, recent increases in fuel prices will continue to pressure pricing and reliability.

There has been a significant flare-up in COVID-19 cases across China since our last shipping bulletin. Currently, the Shanghai region is under stay at home orders, which has begun to affect port operation directly. It has reduced labour availability, closed factories and limited vehicle ability to deliver containers to the Ports. 

 

Congestion off southern China ports is now at record highs with an inability to efficiently operate all vessels. However, this congestion could ease in the short term, and pricing could be further reduced due to factories not having an adequate output. 

 

As a result, there will be no immediate demand for shipping. However, the pent up demand could cause a whiplash effect in the coming weeks and months to push pricing back to record highs. 

Busy Yangshan container port, Shanghai, China

Busy Yangshan container port, Shanghai, China is but one of the ports affected by the resurgence of COVID-19 in China

These effects are not just limited to Shanghai and Southern China, with reports of increasing cases in regions dotted all over China. Freightos reported that this current wave of COVID-19 throughout China could 

“make this iteration the most significant logistics disruption since the start of the pandemic”.

 

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has impacted both the demand and price of bunker fuel. The crisis has meant that freight historically transiting from Asia to Europe by rail will now travel by ship, pushing up global demand for charter vessels, invariably impacting all international pricing.

 

However, the more significant impact could be on the supplier of bunker, with increases of up to US$100 per tonne a day recorded. Pricing has increased by a third since the end of February, adding millions of dollars to the cost of operating a vessel. These costs will invariably be passed on to the shipper in the way of an increased bunker surcharge. 

 

While Redox’ acknowledges that there has been a short term reduction in pricing, there are still significant unknowns within the global supply chain. Please liaise with your Redox representative to discuss the best way to reduce risk & cost in your business throughout 2022.