Fuel volatility and tight capacity are pushing freight costs higher across Asia-Pacific, with congestion, surcharges and earlier planning shaping May shipments.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN, April 30, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Dimerco Express Group today released its May 2026 Asia Pacific Freight Report, highlighting continued manufacturing resilience across Asia-Pacific, even as fuel volatility, tighter capacity and geopolitical disruption increase pressure on global shippers.
Manufacturing Remains Resilient, but Pressure Is Building
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The report shows the Global Manufacturing PMI at 51.3 in March 2026, marking the eighth consecutive month of expansion. Several Asia-Pacific markets also remained in growth territory, including 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.
At the same time, rising input costs, longer supplier lead times and softer business confidence are creating a more challenging planning environment for shippers.
“Manufacturing activity remains resilient, but the logistics environment is getting harder to manage,” said Catherine Chien, Chairwoman of Dimerco Express Group. “Fuel volatility, tight capacity and geopolitical uncertainty are forcing shippers to plan earlier, protect capacity and build more flexibility into their routing strategies.”
Airfreight Capacity Tightens on Key Lanes
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Dimerco reports that airfreight capacity remains tight, especially on Asia-Europe lanes, where Middle East airspace restrictions are forcing longer routings and reducing available belly capacity.
Strong demand for electronics, semiconductors and AI-related shipments is also driving volumes into the U.S., contributing to backlogs and elevated rates on key routes.
Ocean Freight Faces Surcharges and Congestion
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In ocean freight, Persian Gulf tensions, higher bunker costs and congestion at Asian transshipment hubs are pushing Emergency Bunker Surcharges, BAF adjustments and selective rate increases.
While softer lanes continue to limit broader rate movement, more active trade lanes are seeing upward pressure as shippers frontload ahead of surcharge changes and holiday-related disruptions.
Alternate Routing and Compliance Remain Key
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The report also points to China-Europe rail as a viable mid-cost alternative for certain shipments, with transit times of 16 to 24 days, despite May rate increases of $600 to $800+.
For US importers, Dimerco highlights CBP CAPE Phase 1, which enables electronic filing of IEEPA tariff refund requests through the ACE Portal for eligible entries.
Dimerco Recommendations
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Dimerco recommends that shippers book early on constrained lanes, factor rising surcharges into landed costs, consider alternate routings where appropriate and build schedule buffers into May and early summer planning.
*** Download the report ***
About Dimerco Express Group
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Dimerco Express Group integrates air and ocean freight, trade compliance, and contract logistics services to make global supply chains more effective and efficient. Founded in Taiwan in 1971, Dimerco connects Asia’s manufacturing hubs with North America and Europe through a robust network of 150+ offices and 200+ strategic partner agents.
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Pesti Group
media@dimerco.com
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