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The Middle East conflict, with its impact on fuel prices and international cargo flows, softened global growth forecasts but the Asia Pacific region is proving resilient as supply chains adapt and evolve, Maersk said in its Asia Pacific Monthly Market Update for July
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As global logistics enters the traditional peak season period this month, cargo volumes are seen increasing as many shippers move ahead of the usual schedule in response to geopolitical uncertainties
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Ocean freight markets in the Asia Pacific are modifying cargo flows as businesses also adjust inventory, sourcing and logistical plans
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Air freight markets started to see some recovery in May and have also been adapting through network adjustments and rerouting to keep cargo moving
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Air freight sector continues to be driven by e-commerce, high-value manufacturing, technology-related goods, and ongoing supply chain diversification
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Asia Pacific maintains its important position in global supply chains given China’s export power, strong regional connectivity and an expanding intra-Asia trade flows
The conflict in the Middle East, with its impact on fuel prices and international cargo flows, softened global growth forecasts but the Asia Pacific region is proving resilient as supply chains adapt and evolve, Maersk said in its Asia Pacific Monthly Market Update for July.
Cargo volumes – with the global logistics market entering the traditional peak season period this month – are seen increasing as many shippers move ahead of the usual schedule in response to evolving market conditions and ongoing uncertainty.
Ocean freight markets in the Asia Pacific are factoring in the geopolitical uncertainties and are adapting cargo flows as businesses also adjust their inventory, sourcing and logistical plans.
“The Middle East situation remains highly dynamic, with continued disruption across ocean, landside, and air services, particularly for cargo moving through the Gulf region,” Maersk said in its report.
“Recent analysis from Sea-Intelligence suggests that global container trades continue to adapt despite these challenges, highlighting the ability of supply chains to adjust to changing operating conditions,” it added, noting that Sea-Intelligence cited elevated container shipping activity and the potential for an earlier onset of peak season conditions.
Availability remains stable across much of the Asia-Pacific region, but shippers are advised to plan bookings as early as possibly to maintain flexibility.
Maersk said for its operations, it is keeping cargo flowing where feasible by using alternative routing, storage-in-transit, and landbridge solutions. Some cargo, for example, previously planned via Jeddah are now being rerouted through Salalah and Khor Fakkan, it said.
READ: Asia Pacific sea, air cargo markets emphasize flexibility in 2026
Similarly, air freight markets – which started to see some recovery in May – have been adapting through network adjustments and rerouting to keep cargo moving.
“Despite these improvements, conditions may continue to vary across routes depending on network changes and operational requirements. Customers may still experience fluctuations in transit times and available uplift on selected corridors due to evolving operational factors,” Maersk said.
On the demand side, customers are more actively reviewing strategies in response not just to the Middle East situation but also to changing regulatory and trade policies.
“As businesses continue to diversify sourcing locations and build greater resilience into their supply chains, air freight remains an important option for supporting agility, inventory management, and time-sensitive shipments,” Maersk said.
The air freight sector continues to be driven by e-commerce, high-value manufacturing, technology-related goods, and ongoing supply chain diversification.
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific maintains its important position in global supply chains given China’s export power, strong regional connectivity and an expanding intra-Asia trade flows.
