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- The Middle East Conflict. Continuing from our recent Special Bulletin advising on missile strikes between Israel and Iran, the Middle East ceasefire currently appears to be holding. Unfortunately, with no-fly zones still in place over Israel and Iran, there continues to be some flight disruptions. The conflict continues to create uncertainty across supply chains, with implications for shipping schedules, fuel costs, and freight availability.
- Changes to Requirements for Treatment Certificates from China. Effective immediately regulations have been relaxed regarding Treatment Certificate providers from China.
- Lyttelton Port Charts Bold Growth Plan. Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) has confirmed its ambition to become the South Island’s primary hub, with major investment plans to support growing global trade demands and drive an increase in revenue.
- Reminder - Changes are Occurring in NZ Customs and MPI Fees and Levies. As outlined in our April Bulletin, Changes to Customs and MPI fees are set to take place from 1st July.
- Israeli Shipping Line Zim Withdrawals from the New Zealand Market. Last week Israeli shipping line ZIM has announced its decision to suspend services in the New Zealand market, with agency operations in the country also set to close as a result.
The company has indicated that it will continue to monitor market conditions and may consider re-entering the market at a later date.
ZIM’s final scheduled sailing from New Zealand is expected to take place at the end of July. - Port Health Check. Previously the tranship port of Singapore was facing heavy congestion, however this appears to have cleared up recently with the majority of containers making their tranship connection in a timely manner, or only missing one connection.
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The Middle East Conflict.
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In case you missed our recent Special Bulletin, escalating missile strikes between Israel and Iran have introduced renewed uncertainty across global supply chains, particularly within the Middle East region. While the ceasefire is currently holding, no-fly zones remain in place over Israel and Iran skies.
The Strait of Hormuz has been declared closed, though many ships are still operating in the area. As a critical maritime passage and the primary route for oil shipments from the Persian Gulf, approximately 25% of the world’s oil supply typically transits this corridor. The closure is expected to place upward pressure on fuel prices both domestically and internationally.
In the aviation sector, several major non-UAE airlines have suspended services to Dubai and Doha. These cities serve as essential transhipment hubs for cargo moving between Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. If the suspensions continue, rerouted airfreight via alternate gateways - such as Singapore - is likely to increase congestion and extend transit times in the weeks ahead.
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Changes to Requirements for Treatment Certificate Providers from China.
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Effective immediately, treatment certificates accompanying shipments from the China are no longer required to be issued solely by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Importers may now present treatment certificates issued either by the GACC or
directly by the treatment provider. Copies of these certificates are acceptable, provided they include the additional declarations and information outlined in the relevant Import Health Standard.
A phytosanitary certificate may also be used to certify the treatment status of a consignment. These must be original documents and include the prescribed wording in accordance with the applicable Import Health Standard.
Please Note:
- Items that have undergone pre-export treatment or heat treatment on arrival may still be subject to inspection to confirm treatment effectiveness or identify contamination.
- Treatment certificates for wood packaging material must still be issued or endorsed by a government authority, in line with the requirements specified in the Woodpack Import Health Standard.
This change follows recent adjustments to China’s treatment certification framework.
For further clarification, inquiries may be directed to Sheree.Langford@mpi.govt.nz.
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Lyttelton Port Charts Bold Growth Path.
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Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) has confirmed its ambition to become the South Island’s primary shipping hub, with major investment plans to support growing global trade demands and drive an increase in revenue.
Speaking at a Lincoln University event hosted by the Department of Global Value Chains and Trade, LPC CEO Graeme Sumner outlined the port’s 30-yearmaster plan, which will soon enter public consultation.
Key Priorities:
- Upgrading infrastructure to handle larger, next-generation container vessels
- Investing in digital technology and sustainability to futureproof operations
- Enhance capacity to process up to 850,000 TEU annually
LPC’s Eastern Development project includes:
- Stage 1: $50 million for 7 hectares of land reclamation
- Stage 2: A 380-meter deepwater berth (already consented)
Graeme Sumner stressed the need for greater efficiency and scale in New Zealand’s port system. “Ten fragmented ports can’t effectively handle three million containers a year,” he said. “Lyttelton must evolve into a central hub with capacity for 7,000+ TEU vessels, including those using alternative fuels.”
He also warned of growing global trade volatility - highlighting Suez Canal disruptions, rising freight rates, and shifting shipping routes - as reasons why resilience and scale are now essential.
The event also featured supply chain research from Lincoln University, focusing on the need to anticipate and adapt to disruptions such as climate events, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions.
Artificial intelligence and automation are expected to play a key role in LPC’s long-term logistics strategy.
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Reminder - Changes to NZ Customs and MPI Fees and Levies are Now in Effect.
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A reminder that a change in the fees and levies set out by Customs and MPI were introduced this month, from 1st July. These amounts will remain in place until next year, 31 Mar 2026.
For imports, currently the combined NZ Customs and MPI fee is $81.25 + GST this will increase to $92.87 + GST.
For exports, currently the NZ Customs fee is $7.20 + GST but this will reduce
to $5.44 + GST.
Effective from 1 April 2026 (Next year), a new fee and levy structure will be introduced. The revised structure, applicable to New Zealand Customs only, will establish separate rates for air and sea consignments.
Additionally, fees will be based on consignment value, with categories for high-value (over $1,000) and low-value (under $1,000) shipments. Further distinctions will be made between air and sea consignments for both import and export declarations.
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