Corporate Moving update June 2025

Operational pressures mount as industrial action, port backlogs, and vessel incidents disrupt global shipments

Relocation logistics continue to face severe operational and financial challenges in June, as industrial action, port congestion, capacity shortages, and vessel incidents disrupt international moves. The cumulative impact of these events is putting pressure on shipping schedules, compliance planning, and cost forecasting.

Ongoing strikes in Brazil disrupt customs operations

In Brazil, industrial action by Federal Revenue Auditors — continuing since November 2024 — has escalated further in June, severely impacting customs clearance. The auditors, responsible for processing import and export documentation, are operating under a slowdown strategy and have withdrawn from overtime duties. This is creating a significant backlog at major ports, with clearance delays extending beyond 72 hours in some cases. Businesses relocating employees to or from Brazil should anticipate processing bottlenecks, increased storage fees, and the possibility of extended transit timelines. European congestion extends as Rhine levels restrict barge access.

Port congestion across Europe has extended to five or six days, with minimal relief expected. According to Flexport, high-volume hubs such as Rotterdam and Antwerp are especially constrained. A lack of rainfall is lowering Rhine water levels, limiting barge transport capacity and further delaying inland distribution. Maersk has extended contingency measures and warned of ongoing labour shortages as European holidays begin.

Mexico’s main container port struggles with backlogs

Operations at the Port of Manzanillo remain disrupted following a strike by customs workers. Although the action ended on 15 May, staffing shortages continue to cause delays and extended inspections, with customs clearance exceeding 72 hours in some cases. Local authorities report that thousands of containers are backlogged, pushing transport companies toward insolvency.

New EU customs rules take effect 1 July

The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Phase 3 goes live on 1 July. This regulation mandates pre-loading cargo data submissions for all sea freight entering or transiting the EU. Failure to provide timely and complete declarations could result in fines and customs delays. Consolidated shipments without item-level accuracy are particularly at risk.

Red Sea traffic remains diverted despite incentives

To counter falling revenue and encourage carriers back to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal Authority has introduced a 15% discount on transit fees for large vessels. However, most major shipping lines remain cautious. Maersk’s CEO has warned against premature redeployment, citing regional instability and unresolved ceasefire conditions.

Asia–Europe container supply tightens and rates climb

Container xChange reports growing pressure on 40-foot dry container supply in China, especially in Shanghai and Ningbo. Surging export volumes have pushed spot prices from Shanghai to Rotterdam up 11% in early June. Equipment availability is becoming a constraint again on Asia–Europe routes, reversing earlier surplus trends.

West Africa infrastructure work disrupts port operations

In West Africa, berth availability at the ports of Tema (Ghana) and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) is temporarily reduced due to dredging and expansion projects. According to The Loadstar, vessel turnaround times have increased by up to 72 hours. Operators should expect intermittent delays through Q3 2025.

Middle East security concerns continue to affect shipping routes

Ongoing instability in parts of the Middle East continues to affect regional shipping operations and global routing decisions. While some ceasefire efforts have been announced, carriers remain cautious due to security risks and evolving maritime advisories. Relocation planning involving regional ports should account for potential diversions, delays, or temporary service suspensions.

Commenting on the situation, Filip Leibl, Group Operations Manager at Santa Fe Relocation, explained, “We are closely monitoring the evolving security environment in the Middle East to ensure we can respond swiftly to any disruption. Our priority is to safeguard the continuity and reliability of our clients’ moves, and we remain in direct contact with our global partners and on-the-ground teams to assess risks as they emerge.”

Recent shipping incidents underscore growing operational risks

Two major containership incidents off the coast of India highlight the risks tied to vessel condition and hazardous cargo. A fire aboard a Wan Hai vessel and the capsizing of MSC Elsa 3 during monsoon weather resulted in significant cargo losses and rescue operations. These events underscore the importance of compliance, documentation, and robust insurance coverage in corporate relocations. Santa Fe Relocation has conducted due diligence and, to date, no containers under our management have been affected by these incidents.

Strategic guidance for businesses

Companies planning international relocations should:

• Plan ahead to secure container space and avoid premium costs during high-risk periods.
• Monitor customs procedures at key ports, especially in Brazil and Mexico, to mitigate potential bottlenecks.
• Avoid high-risk items such as lithium batteries where possible, or ensure proper declarations are made to prevent fines and delays.
• Engage experienced relocation providers to navigate fluctuating shipping conditions and regulatory risks.
• Review insurance policies in light of increased accident rates and severe weather forecasts.

At Santa Fe Relocation, we are dedicated to supporting our clients through these developments with timely updates and strategic advice. Our team remains vigilant, monitoring industry changes to deliver tailored solutions that ensure business continuity. For further assistance or personalised guidance, please contact your designated Santa Fe Relocation consultant.

Filip Leibl
Group Operations Manager
Santa Fe Relocation

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