Press Room

Neolink Announcement – Typhoon Ragasa & Golden Week: What Australian Importers & Exporters Need to Know

Good Morning Valued Clients,

I wanted to get a quick note out to you on Typhoon Ragasa, which is building into a major system across Asia this week, right as we head into Golden Week in China.

We’re already seeing the flow-on effects:

• Ports in Southern China and Hong Kong are shutting down.
• Airlines have cancelled flights, with Hong Kong Airport expected to be closed for around 36 hours.
• Trucking and rail services across Guangdong are being suspended.

With the holiday period kicking in at the same time, it’s the worst possible window for disruption as we head into golden week. We’re expecting delays and backlogs to roll through supply chains for weeks, not just days.

Ports & Container Terminals Most Affected

• Southern China Major Container Terminals (especially in Guangdong / Pearl River Delta)
  Many major container terminals in southern China (with the exception of Xiamen Port) have issued typhoon alerts and suspended gate operations.
• Ports in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Foshan, Yangjiang, Zhanjiang, Taishan
  These ports fall within the zone of impact as Ragasa is expected to make landfall and drive surge/rainfall in those areas.
• Hong Kong International Airport / Air Cargo Hubs
  The airport is expected to be shut down for 36 hours; many flights have already been cancelled. These air hubs are critical for cargo forwarding and air-sea logistics.

What This Means for Your Shipments

We’re anticipating 7 to 14 day delays on cargo moving out of Southern China and Hong Kong, and the backlog is likely to stretch well into October. With vessel bunching, space scarcity, and congestion in play, the impact could carry through to the end of year peak season.

Our team has been across this since the first alerts came out. Here’s what we’re doing right now:

• All orders with factories: We’re double-checking that everything is loaded in our system. If you’ve got POs sitting with suppliers, we’ll make sure they’re captured and tracked.
• Critical orders: If you’ve got product launches, seasonal stock, or urgent shipments, flag them with us so we can prioritise routing or look at alternate ports/modes.
• Alternatives: We’re already assessing options through Xiamen and other ports that are less impacted, plus partial air solutions where time is critical.
• Updates: Expect revised ETAs from us as soon as carriers confirm schedules. We’ll keep communication clear and proactive.

How You Can Prepare

• Build in extra lead time where possible.
• Highlight non-negotiable deadlines so we can align resources and recommended solutions
• Expect some rate volatility and congestion surcharges as the backlog clears.

The Bottom Line

This is shaping up to be one of the most challenging shipping windows of the year. The overlap of a super typhoon and Golden Week shutdowns will have knock-on effects across supply chains well into Q4.

Our team is across it - the systems are in place, the contingencies are ready, and we’ll keep you updated as things evolve. We’ll tackle this shipment by shipment to keep your cargo moving as smoothly as possible.

Most importantly, we hope your suppliers, their teams, and families remain safe and well through this period.

If you’d like to review any critical orders or discuss your priorities, please reach out to your Neolink contact/s.

Further Reading

• Reuters – Hong Kong’s airlines evacuate planes as Typhoon Ragasa approaches
• The Guardian – Typhoon Ragasa: live updates as storm hits China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Philippines
• El País – Super Typhoon Ragasa causes fatalities in Taiwan and paralyses Hong Kong and Southern China
• Typhoon Ragasa makes landfall in China after 17 killed in Taiwan

Stay safe,

Neolink Marketing Team