Logistics provider C.H. Robinson expects capacity to tighten on selected Asia-origin air freight lanes during the second half of September, as quarter-end shipments, technology-related cargo and a pre-holiday export push increase demand for available flight space.
The company said the pressure is expected to be most visible on Trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes, rather than across the entire Asian air freight market. China is likely to see the strongest overlap of technology shipments, quarter-end deliveries and exports ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival from September 25–27 and China’s National Day holiday from October 1–7.
C.H. Robinson said the first signs of tightening are likely to be earlier booking cut-offs, fewer preferred flight options and alternative routings, rather than an immediate broad-based increase in freight rates.
Other Asian origins, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand, could also experience tighter capacity, although the extent will depend on local cargo demand, airline allocations, belly capacity and gateway performance.
The logistics provider also noted that technology-related shipments such as servers, server racks, semiconductors and associated equipment continue to support air cargo demand from major Asian manufacturing hubs.
C.H. Robinson advised shippers with time-sensitive cargo to plan bookings early and consider alternative gateways or routings as preferred flights begin to fill. Spot rates could firm on high-demand departures from mid-September, although the impact is expected to vary by lane and flight.