Tightening air capacity, cautious ocean activity and weather‑related disruptions are shaping year‑end freight demand, according to Dimerco's monthly freight report for December.
It noted that inventory caution, MD-11F grounding and Asia weather events also continued to influence freight flow and pricing.
"Dimerco's latest Asia-Pacific Freight Report points to a firm air market this month as peak-season e-commerce and high-tech cargo continue to lift demand across China, Southeast Asia and the Transpacific," it said.
Ocean freight also remains steady but sensitive, with most shippers holding inventory rather than restocking aggressively ahead of Chinese New Year.
Global Manufacturing PMI stayed at 50.8 in October, marking a third month of expansion, while airlines across the region are reallocating capacity to long-haul routes and freighter availability has tightened.
Dimerco said weather-driven port disruptions in Southeast Asia, vessel omissions, and Mexico’s nationwide road blockade have also influenced cargo flow and planning timelines at the close of the year.
Overall, the freight forwarder said air freight remains tight into the US and key Asia hubs, with e-commerce momentum continuing after Black Friday and Thanksgiving.
Ocean freight is steady, supported by earlier front-loading and limited blank sailings heading into Chinese New Year.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asia sees ongoing weather-related delays and port omissions affecting schedules and space; China and Hong Kong report rising long-haul export volumes and tightening capacity to the US and EU.
In Mexico, Dimerco said the country experienced transport disruption in late November due to nationwide blockades, affecting inland cargo access.
"Air capacity is under clear pressure as year-end volumes move quickly, while ocean capacity remains stable but watchful," said Kathy Liu, VP Global Sales and Marketing, Dimerco Express Group.
"Much of the Q1 outlook now depends on restocking behaviour after Lunar New Year and how carriers manage space into 2026," she added.
