Highlights of the Logistics & Supply Chain Industry (Week 2 – March)

Over the past week, the global logistics and supply chain industry has continued to experience several notable developments. Geopolitical factors, transportation market cycles, and technological transformation trends are simultaneously impacting international shipping activities. These changes not only affect freight rates and transport capacity but also shape how companies manage their supply chains in the coming period.

Below are the key developments of the week and trends that may directly affect import–export businesses as well as logistics service providers. 

 

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Global Air Cargo

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are significantly impacting the international air cargo market. Many airlines have had to reroute flights or temporarily suspend operations at major transit hubs such as Doha and Dubai to ensure operational safety.

According to market reports, within just a few days, global air cargo capacity dropped by approximately 22%, particularly on routes connecting Asia – Middle East – Europe. As a result, many high-value or time-sensitive goods—such as fresh food, electronic components, and aircraft parts—have experienced delivery delays.

This disruption has also begun to put pressure on air freight rates. In some cases, air cargo costs have started to rise again after a previously stable period. For businesses that rely heavily on air transport—especially in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and high-tech industries—closely monitoring logistics conditions is essential to ensure production and delivery schedules remain on track. 

Ocean Freight Market Cools After Lunar New Year

Following the peak shipping season before the Lunar New Year across many Asian countries, the ocean freight market is entering a correction phase as transportation demand declines. Market data shows that the intra-Asia container freight index has decreased by about 3% compared to earlier levels.

Many international shipping routes have also recorded lower prices compared to the same period last year. This decline is mainly driven by weakening import demand in several markets and reduced export volumes after the holiday season.

To balance supply and demand and prevent freight rates from falling too sharply, many shipping lines have implemented blank sailing strategies, meaning they cancel or reduce sailings on certain routes. This measure helps control shipping capacity and stabilize rates while demand has yet to fully recover.

However, some major transshipment ports in Asia are still experiencing minor congestion, with delays ranging from 2 to 4 days. This suggests that the maritime supply chain still needs more time to fully stabilize after recent market fluctuations. 

AI Becomes a Key Driver of Logistics Transformation

In addition to market factors, technology is becoming a major force driving change in the logistics industry. Industry reports indicate that around 98% of logistics companies have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) in at least one operational process.

Common AI applications in logistics include:

• Transportation demand forecasting

• Route optimization

• Inventory management

• Supply chain data analysis

These technologies enable companies to make better decisions, reduce operating costs, and improve accuracy in transportation planning.

Furthermore, digital logistics platforms are increasingly integrating AI to enhance supply chain risk prediction capabilities. By analyzing large volumes of data, businesses can detect operational bottlenecks early and develop more effective contingency plans.

This trend shows that the logistics industry is gradually shifting toward a data-driven supply chain model, where data and technology play a central role in operational management. 

Global Logistics in 2026 Expected to Face Continued Volatility

Industry experts believe that 2026 will remain a highly volatile period for global supply chains. According to recent surveys, about 86% of logistics executives expect instability in international trade to increase.

The main factors contributing to this uncertainty include:

• Geopolitical tensions

• Changes in trade policies between countries

• The restructuring of global supply chains

In response, many businesses are implementing new strategies to improve their adaptability to market fluctuations. Key trends include:

• Nearshoring and friendshoring to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on a single manufacturing region

• Accelerating supply chain digitalization to enhance monitoring and operational data analysis

• Optimizing transportation and inventory costs to maintain financial efficiency in a volatile cost environment

• Strengthening risk forecasting capabilities to respond faster to unexpected events in global trade

These trends are gradually reshaping how companies design and manage supply chains in the new era. 

Conclusion

Developments over the past week show that the global logistics industry is being simultaneously influenced by multiple factors, including geopolitics, transportation market cycles, and technological transformation. These fluctuations not only impact freight costs but also directly affect production planning and supply chain strategies for businesses.

According to THT Cargo Logistics, in an environment where market conditions constantly change, businesses need to strengthen their ability to monitor logistics data, stay updated on market information, and proactively adjust logistics plans.

Combining operational experience, risk management, and technology adoption will help companies maintain stability in their supply chains.

With extensive experience providing logistics services to import–export businesses and FDI manufacturers in Vietnam, THT Cargo Logistics continuously monitors market developments to deliver effective transportation and supply chain management solutions. Proactive logistics strategies will be a key factor helping businesses adapt to the increasingly volatile global trade environment.