## Company Profile Triways Australia — freight forwarder (Managing Director: Brad Young). Listed on ForwardersPages; offers ocean and air freight services for Australian exporters and importers, customs brokerage coordination and door‑to‑door logistics. Likely an SME forwarder operating from Australia (exact scale not public); core customers are exporters/importers moving containerised goods between Australia and Asia (China, Southeast Asia) and trans‑Pacific trades. No full website provided in lead data; contact email brad@ausgf.com. ## Pain Points 1) Client exposure to Asia–Australia freight volatility and heavy relay/trans‑shipment risk: spot rate swings and selective carrier capacity on Asia–Oceania lanes make securing space and reliable transit times difficult for Triways’ customers. 2) Rising compliance & biosecurity workload in 2026: new DAFF pre‑arrival reporting (27 Feb 2026), ongoing BICON condition updates and ABF customs changes increase document handling and inspection risk for agricultural and timber‑related shipments — more time and liability for the forwarder. 3) Sales/lead generation gap into ASEAN buyers: Australian exporters are diversifying into Southeast Asia; Triways may need a trusted channel to originate new exporter/importer clients who require both market access and reliable execution across freight and regulatory steps. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] === (Australia export/import trade flows – container volumes with China, Southeast Asia, US – latest 2025–early‑2026 signals) **Overall Australia trade & key partners** - Australia’s total merchandise imports in 2025 were about **US$310 billion**, up from 2024; China remained the largest import source at **US$82.9 billion** (c. 27% of imports).([tradingeconomics.com](https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/imports-annual?utm_source=openai)) - The U.S. goods trade surplus with Australia in 2025 was **US$4.6 billion**, but this was down **74.4%** (‑US$13.3 billion) vs 2024, implying Australia’s imports from the U.S. grew faster than U.S. imports from Australia or U.S. exports slowed.([ustr.gov](https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/southeast-asia-pacific/australia?utm_source=openai)) **China–Australia containerised trade** - At Port of Melbourne (Australia’s main container hub), **China** remained the **largest trading partner** in FY2025, accounting for **50% of container imports** and **20% of container exports** by value.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) - Agricultural exports were a key driver: wheat alone represented nearly **6% of the port’s containerised exports** in FY2025, signalling strong agri‑container flows, much of which moves to North Asia and Southeast Asia.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) - Directionally, industry commentary into early 2026 (S&P Global 2026 ocean freight outlook) points to **softening global container freight rates** but **volatility driven by geopolitics and environmental rules**, which is keeping carriers selective on capacity allocations, especially on Asia–Oceania trades.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **Southeast Asia–Australia container flows** - Port of Melbourne data indicate **Southeast Asia’s share of exports rose from 19% in FY2020 to 27% in FY2025**, making it an “emerging key region” for outbound containerised trade.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) - This growth suggests a structural diversification of Australian containerised exports away from a China‑only model toward **Southeast Asian markets (e.g., Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore)**, consistent with broader Indo‑Pacific trade rebalancing. **US–Australia container trade context** - The U.S. National Trade Estimate and USTR Australia country page show Australia as the **17th‑largest U.S. goods export market in 2025**, with a US$4.6 billion U.S. surplus, but with substantial year‑on‑year compression, implying some moderation of two‑way containerised volumes or a shift in product mix and prices.([ustr.gov](https://www.ustr.gov/countries-regions/southeast-asia-pacific/australia?utm_source=openai)) - Wider U.S.–Asia container statistics show U.S. container imports from China and several Asian economies declined in 2025 (e.g., from South Korea −12.8%, Indonesia −7%, Japan −8.4%), indicating a softening and re‑routing of some Asia–U.S. volumes which can indirectly affect trans‑Pacific services that also touch Australia.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/news/us-container-trade-sees-decline-from-china-and-asia/?utm_source=openai)) **Key signals for 2026: trade flows and container volumes** - Structural factors highlighted in the 2026 ocean freight outlook—**port congestion risk, geopolitical routing, environmental compliance costs, carrier capacity discipline**—are expected to keep **effective capacity tighter than pure vessel tonnage suggests**, even as nominal capacity grows. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) - For Australia specifically, the combination of: - Rising **Southeast Asia export share (27% of Melbourne exports)**, - Continued dominance of **China for import containers (50%)**, and - Stable but less rapidly growing **U.S. trade surplus and ranking** points to **steady to mildly growing container flows with China and Southeast Asia in 2026**, while **US‑linked flows may be more sensitive to U.S. demand and currency movements**. **Implications for agri/food exporters & importers** - High share of agricultural products in containerised exports from southeast Australia (e.g., wheat 6%) plus rising Southeast Asia share suggests **good 2026 prospects for processed food, grain, and feed exports** into ASEAN, especially via Melbourne.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) - On the import side, dependence on Chinese manufactured and intermediate goods (50% of container imports) leaves Australian food processors exposed to **China‑linked supply risk and freight volatility** in 2026.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – Market Events** ([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] === (Australia freight rates 2026 – sea freight, air cargo, capacity & port congestion – Melbourne/Sydney) **Port congestion & operational conditions – early 2026** - The Cargo Desk (Australian freight intelligence hub, updated **6 May 2026**) rates overall **AU+PNG congestion risk at 5.0/10**, with specific average port delays: - **Sydney & Melbourne: ~3 days** - **Brisbane & Adelaide: ~2 days** - **Fremantle: ~1 day** - PNG ports (Port Moresby, Lae): ~2 days.([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai)) - Congestion is described as **“manageable but needs watching”**, indicating some buffer for exporters/importers, but limited resilience if additional shocks hit schedules (weather, industrial action, or geopolitical diversions).([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai)) **Sea freight rate levels & trends (global context with AU relevance)** - S&P Global’s 2026 container freight outlook indicates: - **“Softer rates ahead”** in 2026 versus 2024–2025 highs, - Yet continued **high volatility** due to port congestion pockets, carrier capacity management, and new environmental regulations that effectively remove some tonnage from the market.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) - For Australia‑linked trades, this implies: - **Headline spot rates on Asia–Oceania and Oceania–US lanes are likely below their 2022–23 peaks**, - But shippers still face **wide swings (e.g., significant week‑to‑week changes) and periodic surcharges**, especially on routes with relay connections via Singapore or other hubs (which The Cargo Desk flags as a risk for “heavy relay exposure on Australia‑bound cargo”).([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai)) **Capacity & reliability** - The Cargo Desk notes “heavy relay exposure on Australia‑bound cargo; watch connection timing,” indicating that a high proportion of Australian imports and exports are moving via hubs rather than direct calls, which can **amplify schedule risk and effective capacity constraints** when upstream services are disrupted.([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai)) - S&P Global stresses that for beneficial cargo owners, **2026 is not a year to rely on a single forecast**, underlining the importance of **multi‑carrier, multi‑routing strategies** for Australian shippers to secure space at acceptable rates.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **Air cargo: capacity and pricing direction** - While the specific rate per kg figures for Melbourne/Sydney are behind paywalls in many freight indices, macro‑indicators show: - Restoration of **passenger belly capacity** on Asia–Australia and trans‑Pacific routes into 2025–26 has eased some of the extreme tightness seen during the pandemic years. - Industry trackers summarised by The Cargo Desk’s “Freight Pulse & Rates” product indicate **more balanced air cargo capacity**, with rates generally **below 2021–22 highs but still above pre‑COVID 2019 baselines** on many lanes.([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai)) - For exporters of high‑value perishables (e.g., chilled meat, premium dairy, horticulture) out of **Sydney and Melbourne**, this environment supports: - **Improved capacity access**, - **Moderating but still elevated unit freight costs** versus 2019, which need to be priced into contracts. **Demand‑side signals from port trade values** - Port of Melbourne’s record **A$154 billion trade value in FY2025**, with agricultural exports leading, signals **robust underlying demand for Australian exports** into Asia and North America going into 2026.([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai)) - Combined with moderate congestion and slightly softer global freight rates, this suggests **continued strong export pull** from China and Southeast Asia, with some freight‑cost relief for shippers versus 2022–23 but ongoing need for careful capacity planning. **Implications for 2026 logistics decisions** - **Sea freight**: Expect **lower average rates but unstable pricing**, 1–3 days typical delay at major Australian ports, and higher risk on trans‑shipment legs. Locking in partial contract coverage plus spot flexibility is advisable.([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai)) - **Air freight**: Capacity is healthier, but **rate floors remain elevated vs pre‑COVID**, making air use more selective (time‑sensitive, high‑margin goods). **Sources – Demand Signals**n([thecargodesk.com](https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [TIMING SIGNALS] === (Australia customs & biosecurity reforms – 2026 ABF / DAFF regulatory changes) **New pre‑arrival reporting obligations (key 2026 implementation date)** - The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) issued Import Industry Advice Notice 364‑2025 outlining **new pre‑arrival reporting (PAR) obligations for non‑commercial vessels and non‑scheduled aircraft**: - These amendments to the **Biosecurity Regulation 2016** come into force on **27 February 2026**.([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/364-2025?utm_source=openai)) - Operators must provide enhanced pre‑arrival biosecurity information and report **changes in circumstances (especially human health of travellers)** as soon as practicable.([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/364-2025?utm_source=openai)) - A **new PAR category** has been created under **s193(1A)(b) of the Biosecurity Act** via a new **section 47A of the Biosecurity Regulations 2016**, specifically for **non‑scheduled flights**, aligning them with existing reporting regimes for other conveyances.([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/364-2025?utm_source=openai)) **Biosecurity import clearance reforms (system‑level changes)** - The **Biosecurity Import Clearance Reforms** document (official DAFF policy paper, July 2024; still governing 2025–26 implementation) outlines a multi‑year program to: - **Digitise and streamline import clearance**, - Introduce more **risk‑based profiling and automation**, - Adjust **fees and charges** for import‑related services under the **Biosecurity Charges Imposition (General) Regulation 2016** and Ch. 9, Pt 2 of the Biosecurity Regulation.([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/biosecurity-import-clearance-reforms.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - These reforms underpin many incremental IT and process changes importers and customs brokers are experiencing into **2025–26**, including shifts in how documents are lodged and how inspections are targeted.([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-fta-across-borders-biosecurity-system-update.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Specific 2026‑dated import conditions example (BICON)** - BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions) entries illustrate how conditions are being updated with specific 2026 effective dates. Example: - For **barkcloth** (a timber‑related product), conditions are explicitly marked **Effective 17 Jan 2026 to 16 Feb 2026**, with notes that **timber products exported from Australia and re‑imported after processing are treated as foreign** and must meet full DAFF import requirements.([bicon.agriculture.gov.au](https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ImportConditions/Conditions/CasePathwaySection?ConditionElementPK=1921231&EvaluatableElementId=811352&EvaluationStateId=ada2b942-df53-4138-bab3-535cfc0de160&HasAlerts=False&HasChangeNotices=False&Path=All&PathwayPk=316&UserContext=External&caseElementPk=2424040&utm_source=openai)) - Fees apply for DAFF services under existing biosecurity charges regulations, and some items may also require **wildlife trade permits** from the Wildlife Trade Office.([bicon.agriculture.gov.au](https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ImportConditions/Conditions/CasePathwaySection?ConditionElementPK=1921231&EvaluatableElementId=811352&EvaluationStateId=ada2b942-df53-4138-bab3-535cfc0de160&HasAlerts=False&HasChangeNotices=False&Path=All&PathwayPk=316&UserContext=External&caseElementPk=2424040&utm_source=openai)) - This pattern indicates that **commodity‑specific conditions are being refreshed and time‑boxed more explicitly**, and importers must monitor BICON closely for changing windows, especially in plant/animal products and timber‑related goods. **Government positioning – “strong action on biosecurity in 2026”** - In a January 2026 ministerial media release, the Agriculture Minister emphasised **“taking strong action on biosecurity in 2026”**, noting: - Biosecurity failures could cost the economy **“billions of dollars”** and jeopardise the **more than A$100 billion agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries**. - A clear focus on cracking down on **illegal imports/exports** that undermine biosecurity and trade reputation.([minister.agriculture.gov.au](https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/collins/media-release/taking-strong-action-on-biosecurity-in-2026?utm_source=openai)) - This political signalling suggests **continued tightening rather than relaxation** of import controls and enforcement through 2026. **Australian Border Force (ABF) – customs legislative updates impacting brokers** - An **Australian Customs Notice (2025‑07)** from Australian Border Force (ABF) describes amendments that: - **Update customs legislation**, including measures to **streamline customs broker licensing** by expanding nominee eligibility, and - Improve administration related to border‑controlled drugs (Operation Jardena context).([abf.gov.au](https://www.abf.gov.au/help-and-support-subsite/CustomsNotices/2025-07.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - While not directly changing tariff rates, these changes affect the **regulatory environment for customs brokers and importers** from 2025 into 2026 by altering licensing conditions and compliance interfaces with ABF. **Whole‑of‑government border controls framework** - Austrade’s **“Border Controls Whole‑of‑Government Policy Framework”** (late‑2025) sets out coordinated policy on: - The interplay of **Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958**, import restrictions and permits, - Integration of **biosecurity measures around international travellers and trade data monitoring**, and - Alignment of trade facilitation with security and biosecurity objectives.([austrade.gov.au](https://www.austrade.gov.au/content/dam/austrade-assets/global/wip/austrade/documents/border-controls-whole-of-government-policy-framework.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - This framework guides how future customs and biosecurity rule changes are sequenced, signalling **ongoing incremental regulatory adjustments** in 2026 rather than a single “big bang” reform. **Implications & timing signals for traders in 2026** - **Key hard date:** - **27 February 2026** – new PAR obligations for non‑commercial vessels and non‑scheduled aircraft. Forwarders and importers using charter flights or yacht/other non‑commercial maritime movements must ensure systems are ready ahead of this date.([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/364-2025?utm_source=openai)) - **Soft/ongoing changes:** - Progressive rollout of **digital and risk‑based biosecurity import clearance reforms**, changing documentary and inspection processes across 2025–26.([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/biosecurity-import-clearance-reforms.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Regular updates to **BICON commodity conditions** with specific effective date windows (e.g., barkcloth Jan–Feb 2026) requiring shipment‑by‑shipment verification.([bicon.agriculture.gov.au](https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ImportConditions/Conditions/CasePathwaySection?ConditionElementPK=1921231&EvaluatableElementId=811352&EvaluationStateId=ada2b942-df53-4138-bab3-535cfc0de160&HasAlerts=False&HasChangeNotices=False&Path=All&PathwayPk=316&UserContext=External&caseElementPk=2424040&utm_source=openai)) - Evolution of ABF’s customs broker licensing and enforcement approach under updated legislation, impacting how compliance responsibilities are shared between brokers and importers.([abf.gov.au](https://www.abf.gov.au/help-and-support-subsite/CustomsNotices/2025-07.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – Timing Signals**n([agriculture.gov.au](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/364-2025?utm_source=openai)) **Sources:** • Australia Imports Annual - 2026 Data 2027 Forecast 1988-2025 Historical https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/imports-annual?utm_source=openai • Australia | United States Trade Representative https://ustr.gov/countries-regions/southeast-asia-pacific/australia?utm_source=openai • Port of Melbourne sets record with $154 billion trade in FY25 - Port Technology International https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai • Port of Melbourne sets record with $154 billion trade in FY25 - Port Technology International https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai • 2026 Ocean Freight Outlook: Softer Rates Ahead, but Volatility Isn’t Going Anywhere | S&P Global https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai • Port of Melbourne sets record with $154 billion trade in FY25 - Port Technology International https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai • Port of Melbourne sets record with $154 billion trade in FY25 - Port Technology International https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai • Port of Melbourne sets record with $154 billion trade in FY25 - Port Technology International https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai • 2026 Ocean Freight Outlook: Softer Rates Ahead, but Volatility Isn’t Going Anywhere | S&P Global https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai • 2026 Ocean Freight Outlook: Softer Rates Ahead, but Volatility Isn’t Going Anywhere | S&P Global https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai • Port of Melbourne sets record with $154 billion trade in FY25 - Port Technology International https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-melbourne-sets-record-with-154-billion-trade-in-fy25/?utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai • The Cargo Desk — Australia's Freight Intelligence Hub https://www.thecargodesk.com/?utm_source=openai • 364-2025: Action Required: New pre-arrival reporting obligations for non-commercial vessels and aircraft (non-scheduled flights) - DAFF https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/364-2025?utm_source=openai • 364-2025: Action Required: New pre-arrival reporting obligations for non-commercial vessels and aircraft (non-scheduled flights) - DAFF https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/364-2025?utm_source=openai • 364-2025: Action Required: New pre-arrival reporting obligations for non-commercial vessels and aircraft (non-scheduled flights) - DAFF https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/364-2025?utm_source=openai