ASIA-PACIFIC ocean freight markets show momentum in 2026 as intra-Asia volumes rise, according to Maersk Asia Pacific Market Update-Q4 2025.
Trade between Asia, Africa and the Middle East is outpacing traditional East-West routes, driven by manufacturing shifts and regional integration.
Air cargo remains stable following a strong 2025 led by e-commerce and electronics. While inland demand has stabilized, structural pressures and climate challenges continue to influence regional performance.
China’s exports grew 5.9 percent year-on-year in November 2025, shifting toward high-tech and mechanical-electrical goods. Significant gains were recorded in exports to the EU and emerging markets, particularly Latin America, Africa and Australia.
Regarding Red Sea routing, the vessel Maersk Sebarok successfully completed a transit in mid-December 2025. This initiates a stepwise approach toward resuming navigation via the Suez Canal, though a wider network change is not currently planned as safety remains the priority. Operations also continue in Venezuela in compliance with international sanctions and regulations.
Trade policy continues to influence sourcing strategies. New tariffs of up to 50 percent on imports into Mexico may affect certain Asia-Pacific exporters, while the upgraded China-Asean free trade agreement is expected to reduce regional friction.
Digitalization and automation are transforming contract logistics, led by integrated facilities like Maersk’s Lin-gang site in Shanghai.
Shippers are increasingly adopting multimodal solutions to improve visibility and coordination between ocean and land-side services. For businesses, success depends on leveraging digital integration and flexible routing to mitigate the “two-speed” reality of stabilizing demand versus persistent geopolitical and policy volatility.
