Navigating Global Trade Trends: The Role of Supply Chain Optimization in Air and Sea Freight Markets
The recent event focused on significant developments influencing international trade, such as geopolitical tensions, evolving sourcing strategies, capacity dynamics, and cost trends in air and sea freight markets. The importance of structured Supply Chain Optimization was emphasized as companies adjust their logistics networks to changing market conditions. Daniel Chua, Head of Air Freight at Dachser, highlighted the gradual shift towards a more balanced air freight market, emphasizing the need for careful capacity planning and realistic forecasting. Dachser anticipates single-digit growth in air freight demand in 2026, driven by e-commerce, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. In sea freight, global demand growth is expected to slow below three percent in 2026, with stable yields and a structural shift in trade lanes towards Southeast Asia. Despite fleet growth, supply and demand are relatively balanced in sea freight, with freight rates expected to stabilize in early 2026.
Eunice Yu, Head of Ocean Freight at Dachser, emphasized the importance of flexibility, diversified routing options, and realistic lead-time planning to build resilient supply chains in the face of market uncertainties. Dachser advocates for a structured, data-driven approach to supply chain planning through Supply Chain Optimization, enabling customers to analyze, model, and redesign logistics networks based on real operational data. Philipp Ramsbacher, Team Leader of Supply Chain Optimization at Dachser, highlighted the benefits of data-driven simulation in evaluating scenarios and developing optimized supply chain solutions. Projects showcased during the event demonstrated tangible improvements in cost savings, reduced CO₂ emissions, and enhanced delivery performance, showcasing the value of a structured Supply Chain Optimization approach.
With integrated air, sea, and contract logistics solutions, Dachser supports customers in navigating changing market conditions while enhancing long-term supply chain performance. The company's strong presence across Asia Pacific and well-established European road logistics backbone position it as a reliable partner for businesses seeking resilient supply chain solutions. Dachser's commitment to structured Supply Chain Optimization underscores its dedication to delivering efficient, sustainable, and robust logistics networks for its customers.