Quote
Aperture & Focus 2026: Week 25
Jun. 15, 2026
Aperture & Focus
Global Aperture
The United States and Iran have agreed to a framework aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries that has disrupted trade and energy markets since February 2026. The agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20% of global oil and natural gas supplies move.
Air cargo capacity between the Middle East and key international markets remains below levels seen prior to the U.S.-Iran hostilities , according to industry data. While carriers have resumed many services following the reopening of regional airspace, stakeholders expect the recovery of cargo networks, fuel markets, and supply chain flows to occur gradually over the coming weeks and months.
According to market data provider WorldACD, global air cargo volumes rebounded during the week ending June 7 as airlines restored capacity following holiday-related slowdowns and continued recovering from earlier Middle East conflict disruptions. While capacity remains below pre-conflict levels on some Middle East trade lanes, improved operating conditions and lower fuel prices helped support market recovery across several regions.
Regional Focus
Americas
Latin America: Growing cross-border e-commerce volumes are driving cargo infrastructure investments at airports across Latin America, including expansion projects in Brazil, Uruguay, and Ecuador to accommodate rising parcel traffic and support regional distribution networks. Airport operators are adding dedicated warehouse capacity, developing new logistics facilities, and pursuing additional freighter services as online retail demand continues to reshape air cargo flows throughout the region.
United States: The Port of Long Beach reported its third-busiest May on record, with imports rising 40% year over year as retailers continued bringing cargo forward amid ongoing trade policy uncertainty. The increase aligns with broader forecasts for an early peak season, although import volumes are expected to moderate later in the year.
Asia-Pacific
India: Congestion continues at major western Indian ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Mundra, and Kandla, following disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict and shortages of truck drivers and transportation workers. The delays have slowed container evacuation, rail movements, and inland cargo transfers, prompting government review and continued efforts to improve cargo flow across the region's key gateways.
China: China has begun construction of a major expansion project at the Three Gorges Dam that will more than double cargo handling capacity on the Yangtze River, one of the country's most important freight corridors. The project will allow larger vessels to transit the waterway more efficiently and is intended to strengthen connections between inland manufacturing centers and coastal export gateways while reducing transportation costs over the long term.
Europe, Middle East & Africa
European Union: Importers are accelerating low-value e-commerce shipments ahead of the European Union’s planned €3 fee on low-value imports scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. Industry participants expect the change to create short-term volatility in Asia-Europe air cargo flows as companies adjust shipping patterns and customs processes, although the longer-term impact on e-commerce volumes remains uncertain.
Europe: European automotive supply chains are adapting to changing trade patterns as vehicle exports to key markets decline while imports, particularly from China, continue to increase. Industry groups report that rising import volumes are creating additional demand for vehicle storage, processing, and distribution capacity at ports and inland logistics facilities across the region.