09/04/2026
🌍 Freight Market Update: April 2026 | Air & Ocean Resilience
The logistics landscape continues to navigate high seas and turbulent skies. As we look at the data from Q1 2026, the industry is defined by one word: Adaptability.
From the recovery of air capacity to the shifting dominance of transshipment hubs, here are the key takeaways for supply chain professionals this week:
✈️ Air Freight: The Long Road to Recovery
Global air cargo capacity is still finding its footing following the conflict in the Middle East. While we are seeing improvement, the road remains steep.
Capacity Crunch: International widebody capacity is still 11% below pre-Chinese New Year levels.
Regional Shifts: Routes via the Middle East are hardest hit, with Asia-Pacific-to-Middle East capacity down 39%. To compensate, carriers have pivoted, increasing direct Asia-Europe flying by 19%.
Rate Surge: Scarcity is driving prices. Hong Kong-to-Europe spot rates have jumped to $5.15/kg (a 30% increase), while rates from India to Europe have skyrocketed by 80%.
🌊 Ocean Freight: Transshipment Hubs on the Rise
Despite geopolitical headwinds and the "tariff pull-forward" effect, global port volumes exceeded forecasts with a 5.2% growth in 2025.
China’s Dominance: Chinese ports (excl. Hong Kong) saw a massive leap in growth to 8.3%, led by titans like Shanghai (55M+ TEU) and Ningbo-Zhoushan.
The Tariff Effect: US policy has significantly curbed growth in LA/Long Beach, which saw less than 1% growth as trade lanes shifted toward Southeast Asia.
Operational Shifts: The ongoing Red Sea closure continues to reroute global trade, favoring strategic transshipment hubs capable of handling the diverted volume.
📈 The Bottom Line
Supply chain volatility is the new baseline. As air rates climb and ocean lanes shift, shippers must prioritize diversification and real-time visibility to mitigate costs.
What are you seeing in your neck of the woods? Are these rate hikes impacting your Q2 planning? Let’s discuss in the comments. 👇
📖 Learn more about our forwarding services here: H&CO Logistics Flipbook; https://lnkd.in/gXHfMsup
Ready to streamline your next shipment?
Contact H&CO today for a professional consultation on your Freight Forwarding requirements:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +63 998 960 6398