Asia-Pacific Freight Market to Navigate Complex Global Landscape in 2026

Key findings from Dimerco Express Group’s January 2026 Asia-Pacific Monthly Freight Report indicate mixed conditions across global markets, with the Global Manufacturing PMI showing slower growth at 50.5, down from 50.8, marking the lowest point in four months. This reflects uneven sector performances, with consumer and intermediate goods expanding, while investment goods contract.

"Ocean freight will be shaped more by capacity imbalances and regional disparities, with potential disruptions linked to any return to Suez Canal routes. Simultaneously, airfreight remains robust, driven by high-tech and e-commerce demands to North America and Europe," says Catherine Chien, chairwoman of Dimerco Express Group.

Ted Chen, director of ocean freight, advises caution despite the extended U.S.-China tariff truce: "Until trade activity clearly recovers, any early return to the Red Sea could add excess capacity and further disrupt an already fragile market."

Key takeaways:

●       Northeast Asia sees strong airfreight demand driven by AI and semiconductor exports, tightening capacities notably to the United States and intra-Asia. Ocean freight remains soft due to post-holiday slowdowns.

●       Southeast Asia experiences significant tightening in both air and ocean capacity ahead of the Lunar New Year, exacerbated by export backlogs and rising e-commerce volumes. Notably, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore report substantial capacity constraints and backlogs.

●       China Market forecasts strong airfreight activity in Hong Kong and North China, particularly for U.S.-bound routes, whereas ocean freight remains relatively stable with modest seasonal adjustments.

●       North America anticipates brief post-holiday softness in air freight, followed by a rapid tightening ahead of Lunar New Year, while ocean freight continues to face demand weaknesses despite approaching holiday peak pressures.

●       Europe faces airfreight disruptions due to ongoing strikes across major airports, affecting reliability and capacity. Regulatory changes and operational challenges also contribute to ocean freight instability.