Dimerco flags tight Asia-Pacific freight capacity as AI demand and fuel volatility bite

By AI, Created 3:06 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – Dimerco’s June 2026 freight report says air and ocean shipping across Asia-Pacific remain under pressure from strong AI and semiconductor demand, congestion and volatile fuel costs. The report also points to rising rate pressure on key lanes in Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Europe and Mexico.

Why it matters: - Air and ocean freight capacity is staying tight across several major trade lanes, which can raise shipping costs and extend transit times for manufacturers and exporters. - The pressure is strongest on Asia-Pacific routes tied to semiconductors, AI servers and other high-tech cargo, a sign that supply chains serving the sector remain strained.

What happened: - Dimerco Express Group released its June 2026 Asia Pacific Freight Report on June 2, 2026. - The report says global manufacturing conditions improved, with the Global Manufacturing PMI rising to 52.6 in April, its highest level in more than four years. - Expansion continued in several major markets, including the United States at 54.5, Taiwan at 55.3, South Korea at 53.6, India at 54.7 and Thailand at 52.7. - Softer readings in Hong Kong, the Philippines and Indonesia showed uneven regional demand. - Taiwan air capacity is tight across major lanes to Asia, Europe and both U.S. coasts, with rates rising. - South Korea is also seeing tight air capacity to Asia and the U.S., with higher rates across most major corridors. - Thailand airfreight is in backlog, with rising rates across all major lanes. - Malaysia’s KUL and PEN air lanes are tight to Asia and Europe and in backlog to the U.S. - Europe remains a major airfreight pressure point, with the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom all showing tight capacity and rising rates to Asia and both U.S. coasts. - Mexico airfreight is tight but stable to Asia and Europe. - Mexico South ocean freight is under the most pressure, with capacity to Europe and the U.S. East Coast marked serious and rates rising.

The details: - Semiconductor, AI server, high-tech and e-commerce shipments from Taiwan and South Korea are driving much of the airfreight pressure. - Jet fuel constraints are reducing effective capacity, and some carriers are lowering payloads or replacing B747 freighters with smaller B777 aircraft. - Dimerco said some direct China-U.S. airfreight volumes are returning as trade policies stabilize, but AI and semiconductor demand is still keeping capacity extremely tight across Asia. - Thailand is facing continued delays at Suvarnabhumi Airport, especially at TG and BFS terminals. - Those delays are affecting cargo handling, customs clearance and export operations. - In India, congestion at Nhava Sheva Port is causing gate delays, trailer shortages, rollovers and longer delivery timelines. - Ocean freight rates are firming on several major lanes as shippers move cargo earlier to reduce exposure to rising fuel-related costs. - Frontloading is tightening vessel utilization. - Carriers are adjusting bunker surcharges more frequently in response to fuel volatility. - Ocean freight out of Europe remains more stable.

Between the lines: - The report suggests demand is strong in specific industries, but not evenly across the broader economy. - Frontloading may support rates in the near term, but it could also pull cargo forward and soften demand later in the year. - Ongoing disruptions in the Middle East continue to affect fuel costs, routing and capacity.

What’s next: - Dimerco is urging shippers to book early on high-demand air corridors, especially Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea. - The company also recommends using China-Europe rail where appropriate, building buffer time around congested ports and airports, and staying flexible on routing. - Freight conditions may stay volatile if fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions continue to shift carrier capacity and surcharges.

The bottom line: - Asia-Pacific freight remains a seller’s market on many lanes, with AI-led demand and fuel volatility keeping capacity tight and rates under pressure.