News #202601 - Asia Pac Freight Report: January 2026

Global Outlook

• Manufacturing PMI edged down to 50.5 in November, with slower output/new orders and employment slipping back into contraction.
• The 2026 outlook is cautiously optimistic but volatile, while high-tech, AI, and e-commerce continue to drive strong Asia-Pacific airfreight to North America and Europe.
• Asia-Pac overview signals uneven strength: Northeast Asia air remains strong on AI/semiconductors; Southeast Asia tightens ahead of CNY; Europe faces strike-driven disruption; North America softens briefly post-holiday, then tightens pre-LNY; India faces winter fog risks.

Air Outlook

• Southeast Asia congestion persists; terminal shifts underway: From Jan 2026, CK shifts operations to TG terminal at BKK to improve handling efficiency.
• Capacity constrained; transit hubs congested: Growing SEA and Taiwan exports to the US, with belly capacity stuck near 2025 levels due to delivery delays, continue to strain Intra-Asia capacity and crowd HKG, TPE, SIN, ICN, and NRT.
• BSA renewal season supports higher Intra-Asia pricing, with average BSA rates expected to increase by ~10-20%

Ocean Freight Outlook

• Capacity growth continues, but unevenly across trades: Global fleet grew 7.3% YoY to 33.2M TEUs; additions skewed to Middle East–Indian Subcontinent / Asia–Africa / Asia–Europe, while Transpacific capacity declined 2.9%.
• Shippers remain cautious despite tariff truce: Market consensus expects a muted rebound; uncertainty remains around a Red Sea return, with some networks still planning South Africa routings.
• Northeast Asia – Taiwan air stays strong on AI exports (+56% YoY in Nov 2025); tight capacity and rising rates to the US; Intra-Asia lanes remain active.
• Southeast Asia – Pre-Chinese New Year demand is tightening air and ocean capacity, with export backlogs, holiday disruptions, and e-commerce volumes increasing booking pressure across key gateways.
• India – Airfreight eases after peak season, though winter fog may disrupt schedules. Ocean freight rates remain broadly stable, with shippers advised to allow buffer time for inland transport delays.
• North America – Airfreight softens post-holiday before tightening ahead of Lunar New Year, pushing rates higher. Ocean freight demand remains weak, with limited capacity discipline keeping rates under pressure.
• Europe – Strike-related disruptions across the UK/Spain/Italy/Portugal may reduce air capacity and reliability.

Source: https://dimerco.com/news-press/asia-pac-freight-report-january-2026/ 

Share this article