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Sea Freight Update China’s ocean freight market is entering another period of uncertainty as national holidays coincide with ongoing congestion, vessel delays and carrier capacity management. The coming weeks are expected to place additional pressure on factories, trucking, warehousing, customs and ports, with disruption likely before and after the holiday period. China’s Mid-Autumn Festival runs from 25–27 September, followed closely by National Day Golden Week from 1–7 October. With only three regular working days between the holidays, cargo planning is expected to remain challenging. Recent severe weather has affected major Chinese gateways, including Shanghai and Ningbo, contributing to terminal restrictions, schedule disruption and cargo backlogs. Recovery after Golden Week may therefore take time as accumulated cargo returns to the market. Vessel space remains tight ahead of Golden Week, particularly on heavily booked early-October departures. Customers should allow additional lead time and maintain flexibility around carriers, routings and sailing dates. China

Landside Logistics Fuel Update Diesel prices continued to trend upward throughout August, leading to higher fuel surcharge adjustments across much of the transport sector. Market volatility, influenced by global supply conditions and geopolitical factors, continues to affect fuel costs. Many carriers are reviewing and adjusting surcharge mechanisms on a weekly basis to respond to changing market conditions. Businesses should continue to monitor fuel-related charges closely, particularly where fuel surcharges flow through to wharf cartage, linehaul, depot, empty container park and other transport-related costs. ACFS Update During August, ACFS Port Logistics entered voluntary administration, with administrators appointed to assess the future structure and financial position of the business. The administration process remains ongoing, with indications that additional time may be required given the size and complexity of the organisation. ACFS has publicly stated that operational activities are continuing across its network, with no significant service disruptions reported as a result of

Landside Logistics Fuel volatility and levy pressure July began with a continued downward trend in fuel prices as military tensions in the Middle East eased. Conditions changed by the second week of the month, with renewed conflict in the region creating greater volatility in global oil markets and higher terminal gate fuel prices across Australia. At the same time, the Federal Government’s temporary fuel excise relief has been progressively reduced and is due to cease entirely on 2 August. Combined with scheduled CPI indexation of fuel excise and recent increases in wholesale fuel costs, these factors are expected to place further upward pressure on fuel levies across the transport sector in the coming months. Harders will continue to monitor fuel movements closely and work with carrier partners to minimise the impact on customers wherever possible. CPI baseline increases With the new financial year underway, many transport providers are seeking to