Global Aperture

On April 13, the United States initiated a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, while allowing limited commercial transit to non-Iranian destinations. Iran condemned the move and warned of retaliation, including potential actions against regional ports and broader trade routes, adding further uncertainty to global shipping conditions as rising oil prices continue to pressure transportation costs.

As of mid-April 2026, global air cargo capacity has fallen below forecasts, with aviation analytics firm Aevean reporting a 1% shortfall in expected growth as Middle East disruptions reduced capacity by more than 50% on key Gulf routes, based on data from air cargo market analytics provider WorldACD. Although capacity has gradually recovered since early March, it remains well below pre-conflict levels, driving alternative routing strategies and continued volatility across air freight networks.

Americas

United States: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun rolling out the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Claims Processing Engine (CAPE) to process refunds for duties collected under the invalidated International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). To support customers, Kintetsu World Express (KWE) has launched a service to assist with CAPE filings and refund recovery, as importers prepare for phased processing timelines and submission requirements. For more information, see our latest Customer Advisory.

The Port of Long Beach was the busiest seaport in the United States in the first quarter of 2026, according to port officials, handling 2.39 million TEUs despite a 5.7% year-over-year decline. In March, volumes reached 774,935 TEUs, and while Middle East disruptions have not yet reduced cargo throughput, tariffs and rising fuel costs are being closely monitored as potential risks to cargo flow.

Asia-Pacific

China / Hong Kong: Hong Kong International Airport retained its position as the world’s busiest cargo airport in 2025, handling over 5 million metric tons, with volumes increasing 2.7% year over year. Airports Council International (ACI) data shows global air cargo volumes rose 2.9%, with the top 10 airports accounting for about 26% of total traffic.

Singapore: Singapore Changi Airport has become the leading Asia–London gateway in 2026, overtaking Hong Kong in total passenger capacity as long-haul networks shift due to geopolitical disruptions. This increase is expanding bellyhold cargo capacity on these routes, strengthening air freight connectivity between Asia and Europe and providing additional options for time-sensitive shipments.

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Europe: Truckers across multiple countries including Ireland, France, Italy, and Germany have staged protests and threatened strikes between April 7 and April 16 over rising fuel costs and supply concerns linked to disruptions in the Middle East. The actions have led to road blockages, fuel shortages at some stations, and potential risks to inland transport and last-mile delivery, prompting customers to anticipate delays and consider alternative routing where possible.

The situation is also impacting air logistics, as airports across the European Union warned on April 13 that jet fuel shortages could emerge within three weeks. If traffic through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume, industry association Airports Council International (ACI) warns that fuel constraints may disrupt operations and reduce air connectivity across the region.          

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