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Aperture & Focus 2026: Week 23
Jun. 4, 2026
Aperture & Focus
Global Aperture
Security concerns in and around the Strait of Hormuz intensified in late May following reports of vessel turnarounds, military activity, and new U.S. sanctions affecting transit operations in the region. The developments add further uncertainty to global shipping networks as carriers continue adjusting service schedules and routing patterns in response to ongoing disruptions across key trade corridors.
Global air cargo volumes stabilized during the week of May 18–24, 2026, according to market data from analyst WorldACD, with tonnage remaining above year-ago levels as shippers continued to utilize airfreight amid shipping disruptions and extended supply chain lead times. Capacity increased modestly during the week, although availability in the Middle East and Gulf region remained below pre-conflict levels.
Regional Focus
Americas
United States: On June 3, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed new tariffs on imports from 60 economies following a Section 301 investigation into forced labor practices in global supply chains. The proposal is currently open for public comment through July 6 and could affect a wide range of U.S. trading partners if implemented, creating additional uncertainty for international sourcing and trade planning.
United States / Mexico: Industry groups estimate that approximately 3,200 Mexican truck drivers have had their U.S. visas revoked following increased enforcement of cabotage regulations—domestic transportation between two domestic locations by a foreign operator— and closer coordination between the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The crackdown has affected cross-border trucking operations at major gateways and could reduce driver availability for U.S.-Mexico freight movements, potentially contributing to transportation delays.
Asia-Pacific
Air cargo demand on Asia Pacific carriers increased 4.1% year over year in April 2026, according to recently available data from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), as businesses accelerated shipments and inventory replenishment amid supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Cargo demand for the region's carriers was up 5.3% for the January-April period compared with the same period in 2025.
Air cargo capacity from Taiwan, South Korea, and several Southeast Asian markets remains constrained as steady demand for artificial intelligence, semiconductor, high-tech, and e-commerce shipments continues to absorb available space. In Thailand, ongoing congestion at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport has led to cargo handling delays and longer lead times, prompting some shippers to utilize cross-border trucking solutions to maintain supply chain continuity.
India: A formal review of India’s coastal shipping cabotage rules by the country’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has begun to consider whether foreign-flag vessels should be permitted to carry domestic and import-export cargo between Indian ports. Proposed changes are intended to increase service frequency, strengthen port connectivity, and support the development of hub-and-spoke and transshipment networks, with government recommendations expected within the next six months.
Europe, Middle East & Africa
Middle East: Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell sharply on May 28 following renewed U.S. strikes against Iranian military targets and heightened regional security concerns. Ongoing navigation disruptions, vessel turnarounds, and uncertainty surrounding transit conditions continue to affect one of the world's most important shipping corridors, creating additional risk for global supply chains.
Belgium: Airports across Belgium, including Brussels, Liege, and Ostend-Bruges are collaborating on a unified digital customs framework that will allow air cargo companies to electronically submit import, export, and transit declarations through standardized airport community platforms. The initiative supports Belgium’s transition to the European Union’s customs modernization program and is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and customs processing ahead of full implementation by the end of 2026.