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Aperture & Focus 2026: Week 44
Oct. 28, 2026
Aperture & Focus
Global Aperture
Deployed container capacity on transpacific and Asia-Europe routes reached its highest levels on record during China’s Golden Week holiday, according to ocean analytics firm Sea-Intelligence, as typhoon-related port congestion caused vessel bunching and additional sailings that offset carriers’ planned service cancellations. Sea-Intelligence reported that capacity on the Asia–U.S. West Coast route reached 393,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per week, while ongoing schedule disruptions continue to complicate shipment planning for shippers and freight forwarders.
Global air cargo demand is growing, supported by strong manufacturing, technology and healthcare sectors, with airfreight volumes up 4.4% year over year in August, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). However, shortages of aircraft, engines, spare parts and maintenance capacity are driving up operating costs and extending repair timelines, potentially limiting the industry’s ability to expand capacity to meet demand.
Regional Focus
Americas
United States: The U.S. Maritime Administration announced $498 million in port infrastructure grants on October 27, approximately 36% less than the previous fiscal year’s funding. The grants will support 35 projects across 19 states, including dock replacements, cargo-handling equipment, rail connections and technology upgrades aimed at improving cargo movement and supply chain resilience.
Approximately 250 port watchmen represented by International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 could strike as early as November 1 amid stalled contract negotiations, potentially disrupting operations at eight terminals handling a significant share of cargo moving through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Negotiations with employers are ongoing, but a walkout could halt vessel, yard and gate operations at affected terminals during a period of elevated cargo activity.
Mexico: Mexico is preparing to expand international air connectivity after announcing plans to allow freighter operations at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport during less congested periods and support new routes from the capital’s airports. The government also plans to increase staffing and funding for the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) and publish an updated national aviation policy, as airlines assess opportunities to expand services into 2027.
Asia-Pacific
Typhoon Champi forced the closure of Taiwan’s key ports of Kaohsiung, Taipei and Keelung on Friday, with operations resuming over the weekend, while congestion at major Asian ports is delaying vessels by up to three days. These disruptions are temporarily reducing available container capacity, but elevated vessel capacity and the seasonal slowdown are expected to keep downward pressure on freight rates, with Far East–North Europe capacity projected to reach record levels in November.
Philippine ports recorded a 2.76% year-over-year increase in cargo volumes from January through September 2026, driven by growth in international shipments, according to the Philippine Ports Authority. Container traffic rose 1.26% and roll-on/roll-off traffic increased 3.96%, reflecting a shift toward truck-based transport for domestic cargo between islands.
Europe, Middle East & Africa
European Union: The European Union will begin applying a €2 handling fee for each product line in shipments arriving from outside the bloc on November 1, following the removal of customs duty exemptions for low-value goods in July. The changes also require product identifier data for expedited shipments and are intended to encourage bulk shipping and European warehousing, as small-parcel imports have already declined by an estimated 30% to 40% since July.
United Kingdom: Storm damage and a train derailment have disrupted rail freight services to key southeast England terminals, including DP World London Gateway and Forth Ports’ Tilbury terminals, with repairs expected to take at least a week. Shippers are being advised to arrange alternative road transport for affected containers, although available trucking capacity and the scale of the resulting backlog remain uncertain.