Import: 

• There is industrial disruption at the three main Australian ports, causing delays in the scheduled arrival time of import vessels into New Zealand. Specifically, the Port of Auckland is also experiencing resourcing issues, but it is currently managing its vessel operations satisfactorily despite the challenges at the Australian ports. These disruptions at Australian ports can have a ripple effect on supply chains, leading to delays and impacting import operations in New Zealand. 

• There has been an increase in Customs exams in New Zealand over the past few weeks. These exams are leading to delays in getting cargo released, with some shipments experiencing several days of delay. It’s mentioned that efforts are being made to work with New Zealand Customs to expedite the release of these shipments as soon as possible.

           Customs exams are routine inspections conducted by customs authorities to ensure compliance with import regulations and to verify the accuracy of documentation. Increased Customs exams can be a response to various factors, including changes in regulations, heightened security measures, or other operational considerations.

Export: 

• It appears that move count restrictions are still impacting the ports of Lyttelton and Tauranga. These restrictions are leading to late changes in port rotations and, in some cases, causing ports to be omitted from the shipping schedules. Move count restrictions are typically implemented to manage the flow of cargo and ensure operational efficiency at these ports.

  These restrictions may be due to various factors such as labor issues, equipment availability, or congestion, which can affect the overall operations and scheduling of vessels. It’s important for shipping companies, logistics providers, and import/export businesses to stay informed about these developments and adjust their supply chain strategies accordingly to minimize disruptions.