Dimerco’s latest Asia-Pacific Freight Report points to a firm air market as peak-season e-commerce and high-tech cargo continue to lift demand across China, Southeast Asia, and the Transpacific.
Ocean freight remains steady but sensitive, with most shippers holding inventory rather than restocking aggressively ahead of Chinese New Year.
“Air capacity is under clear pressure as year-end volumes move quickly, while ocean capacity remains stable but watchful,” says Kathy Liu, VP global sales and marketing, Dimerco Express Group. “Much of the Q1 outlook now depends on restocking behavior after Lunar New Year and how carriers manage space into 2026.”
Key takeaways:
· Global Manufacturing PMI stayed at 50.8 in October, marking a third month of expansion, while airlines across the region are reallocating capacity to long-haul routes and freighter availability has tightened. Weather-driven port disruptions in Southeast Asia, vessel omissions, and Mexico’s nationwide road blockade have also influenced cargo flow and planning timelines at the close of the year
● Air freight remains tight into the United States and key Asia hubs, with e-commerce momentum continuing after Black Friday and Thanksgiving.
● Ocean freight is steady, supported by earlier front-loading and limited blank sailings heading into Chinese New Year.
● Southeast Asia sees ongoing weather-related delays and port omissions affecting schedules and space.
● China and Hong Kong report rising long-haul export volumes and tightening capacity to the United States and EU.
● Mexico experienced transport disruption in late November due to nationwide blockades, affecting inland cargo access.
