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Aperture & Focus 2026: Week 10
Mar. 5, 2026
Aperture & Focus
Global Aperture
Following the military escalation between the United States and Iran beginning February 28, airlines suspended or rerouted flights across parts of the Middle East, significantly reducing air cargo capacity and disrupting regional supply chains. As of March 4, some limited operations have resumed, but outbound capacity from the Middle East to Europe remains down about 52 percent while several routes and airspaces remain restricted.
Maritime shipping has also been disrupted as major container carriers divert vessels and suspend transits through the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing security threats. Shipping lines are rerouting services and placing vessels in safe shelter areas while monitoring potential attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These diversions are extending transit distances across key Middle East and Asia–Europe trade corridors. Please click here for our Customer Advisories on this topic.
Regional Focus
Americas
United States: In a decision issued on March 4th, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that companies that paid tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are entitled to refunds after the U.S. Supreme Court determined the duties were unconstitutional. The decision orders U.S. Customs and Border Protection to stop collecting the overturned tariffs and recalculate duties during the liquidation process where applicable.
Separately, the U.S. Treasury Secretary said on March 4th the U.S. plans to raise its global tariff rate to 15 percent this week from the current 10 percent level. The duties would be implemented under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and can only last for 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.
Texas officials approved $58.51 million to upgrade a major rail corridor in Laredo. The project will eliminate at-grade rail crossings and separate freight trains from roadway traffic. The improvements are expected to accelerate U.S.-Mexico cross border rail cargo movement through Laredo, where more than 213,000 rail cars crossed in 2025.
Canada: The Port of Vancouver launched a one-month ship slowdown trial during March to protect endangered southern resident killer whales that frequently appear in the area during this period. Car carriers, container ships, and other commercial vessels transiting the waterways are expected to reduce speeds or move away from key sections of whale habitat.
Mexico: Security incidents linked to a federal crackdown on drug cartels in Jalisco between February 22nd and 23rd caused temporary disruptions to trucking routes, flight schedules, and local office operations in western Mexico. The situation has since stabilized, with airports, ports, and logistics services operating normally, although heightened security measures remain on some roads in Jalisco and neighboring states.
Asia-Pacific
India: Bangalore International Airport (BLR) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen air cargo cooperation between Europe and India. The partnership will focus on developing digital cargo solutions, improving regulatory processes, and enhancing efficiency across the Frankfurt–Bangalore trade corridor.
Singapore: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced the preparation of Maritime Singapore Master Plan in 2027 to guide the long-term development of its maritime sector. The plan aims to improve the competitiveness of the port, advance maritime technology adoption, and prepare the industry’s workforce for future growth.
Taiwan, Philippines: The Port of Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Subic Bay in the Philippines signed a sister port agreement to strengthen economic and maritime cooperation between the two countries. The partnership will promote collaboration in port development, security management, and trade under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy.
Europe, Middle East & Africa
United Arab Emirates: Flights remain heavily disrupted as regional airspace closures linked to the Middle East conflict triggered widespread cancellations. Although limited departures resumed from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), airlines are operating only select flights under strict safety approvals.
All seaports within the country are currently operational as of March 1st. About 612 container ships are expected to call at Jebel Ali port over the next 90 days, however delays and disruptions are likely to occur.
European Union: The European Commission adopted a new European Union Ports Strategy on March 5th. The initiative outlines measures to expand port capacity, accelerate digitalization and decarbonization, and improve security and investment frameworks across European ports.