Dimerco flags tighter Asia-Pacific freight capacity in May report

By AI, Created 11:37 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Dimerco Express Group says fuel volatility, tighter capacity and geopolitical disruption are raising freight pressure across Asia-Pacific as shippers plan May and early-summer moves. The report points to resilient manufacturing, but warns that air, ocean and rail networks are facing higher costs, congestion and earlier booking demands.

Why it matters: - Freight costs are rising across Asia-Pacific as fuel volatility, congestion and capacity constraints push up rates on air and ocean lanes. - Shippers moving electronics, semiconductors and other time-sensitive cargo face longer lead times, tighter space and more surcharge exposure. - The report says early planning and route flexibility are becoming more important for May and early summer shipments.

What happened: - Dimerco Express Group released its May 2026 Asia Pacific Freight Report on April 30, 2026. - The report says manufacturing across Asia-Pacific remains resilient, even as logistics conditions worsen. - Global Manufacturing PMI reached 51.3 in March 2026, the eighth straight month of expansion. - Growth readings also held in Thailand at 54.1, India at 53.9, Taiwan at 53.3, South Korea at 52.6, Vietnam at 51.2 and China at 50.8.

The details: - Rising input costs, longer supplier lead times and weaker business confidence are making planning harder for shippers. - Airfreight capacity remains tight, especially on Asia-Europe lanes. - Middle East airspace restrictions are forcing longer routings and reducing belly capacity on those lanes. - Demand for electronics, semiconductors and AI-related shipments is adding volume into the U.S. and contributing to backlogs and higher rates on key routes. - In ocean freight, Persian Gulf tensions, higher bunker costs and congestion at Asian transshipment hubs are driving Emergency Bunker Surcharges, BAF adjustments and selective rate increases. - Softer lanes are still limiting broader rate movement, but active trade lanes are seeing upward pressure as shippers frontload cargo before surcharge changes and holiday-related disruptions. - China-Europe rail remains a mid-cost option for some shipments, with transit times of 16 to 24 days. - May rail rates are rising by $600 to $800-plus. - For U.S. importers, CBP CAPE Phase 1 allows electronic filing of IEEPA tariff refund requests through the ACE Portal for eligible entries.

Between the lines: - The report suggests manufacturers are still producing, but transport networks are absorbing the strain from geopolitics, higher energy costs and uneven demand. - The mix of stronger and weaker lanes means shippers cannot rely on broad market softness to offset cost pressure. - Alternate routing is becoming a tactical tool, not just a contingency plan.

What’s next: - Dimerco recommends booking early on constrained lanes, building surcharges into landed costs, using alternate routings where practical and adding schedule buffers for May and early summer. - Shippers should watch for further rate moves tied to bunker costs, congestion and holiday-related disruptions. - Download the report