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The global air and ocean freight markets continued to see strong demand, supported mainly by exports from Asia, according to the latest updates from DHL Global Forwarding
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In air freight, DHL’s July 2026 report indicate that cargo remained resilient the previous month with strong demand for technology and industrial goods despite capacity constraints, regulatory changes, and geopolitical uncertainty
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Air cargo demand grew 9% year on year in June
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Global average air cargo rates remained higher by 23% YoY in the 29th week of 2026
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For ocean, the DHL August 2026 report showed continued export strength from Asia, supported global container demand even as sea networks remained under pressure from port congestion, Suez diversions and the still unresolved Middle East crisis
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Container demand increased 4% YoY
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Rates in all lanes continue to be elevated given the strong demand
The global air and ocean freight markets continued to see strong demand, supported largely by exports from Asia, according to the latest updates from DHL Global Forwarding.
In air freight, DHL’s July 2026 report indicate that cargo remained resilient the previous month with strong demand for technology and industrial goods despite capacity constraints, regulatory changes, and geopolitical uncertainty.
For ocean, the DHL August 2026 report showed continued export strength from Asia, supported global container demand even as sea networks remained under pressure from port congestion, Suez diversions and the still unresolved Middle East crisis.
Air freight
Air cargo demand grew 9% year on year (YoY) in June, the strongest increase so far this year, bringing the first half growth to 5% YoY.
Outbound demand in Asia grew by 12% YoY in June 2026 supported by semiconductor shipments, AI hardware and industrial technology exports. Demand is expected to remain firm over the next one to two months.
Capacity, meanwhile, remained flat YoY as of July 20, with North America and transpacific growth offsetting declines in Europe, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and China. Asia-Europe capacity remains affected by regulation and Gulf airspace disruption while China-Europe freighter capacity fell 12% YoY, while MEA capacity stayed 4% below last year.
Growth of e-commerce is flattening with a slowdown in goods shipped from China due to the European Union’s de-minimis changes, freeing main deck capacity for higher-yield industrial goods.
READ: E-commerce sellers to EU must now pay €3 duty for under €150 packages
The United States introduced a new tariff regime on July 24 based on supposed imports linked to forced labor, affecting 60 economies with country-specific duties of 10% and 12.5%.
READ: PHILEXPORT urges gov’t to seek exemption from new forced labor tariff
In carrier news, Cathay Pacific postponed the resumption of its services to Dubai and Riyadh while LATAM Airlines confirmed plans to expand its fleet to approximately 410 aircraft by the end of 2026.
Fuel surcharges stayed elevated as carriers maintained cost recovery measures despite some fuel market stabilization.
Global average air cargo rates remained higher by 23% YoY in the 29th week of 2026.
Ocean
In the ocean sector, container demand increased 5% year to date and 4% YoY, also driven by continued growth in Asian exports.
Effective capacity remains constrained by port congestion at peak levels seen in 2022. Space has also been affected by ongoing vessel detours via alternative routings.
Nominal fleet capacity is expected to grow 4% this year, below the historical average growth rate.
The situation in the Middle East, Red Sea restrictions, and continued energy market volatility are keeping operational uncertainty across global supply chains, DHL said.
Rates in all lanes continue to be elevated given the strong demand partnered with weaknesses on the capacity side, port congestion, and route restrictions.
“Peak season is here to stay through summer – stabilizing rates on high levels as demand meets additional capacity,” DHL said.
READ: Peak season starts early for freight markets with strong demand—DHL
