The geopolitical situation in the Middle East continues to disrupt global supply chains, with direct impact on both costs and transit times. This update provides a clear picture of what is happening, what it means for your operations, and how Axxess can help you navigate the uncertainty.
Ocean Freight: Shifting Routes & Port Pressure
For ocean freight, we are seeing a clear shift in routing patterns. Shipments are increasingly being redirected to alternative ports in the region. Many of these ports were not prepared for the surge in volume, creating new bottlenecks along established trade lanes.
In practice, this means that even when cargo reaches the region, the final leg of the journey often becomes the most unpredictable part:
— Congestion and longer handling times at alternative ports
— Limited availability of trucks for onward transport
— Reduced predictability in delivery performance
Air Freight: High Demand, Constrained Capacity
Air freight remains a key alternative for time-sensitive cargo, but capacity is still constrained. While some air traffic has resumed via major hubs, the market remains under pressure with high fuel costs keeping prices elevated.
What we are currently seeing:
— Continued high pricing levels with limited near-term relief
— Fluctuating availability across key lanes
— Rapid changes in capacity conditions requiring close monitoring
This makes early planning and flexibility critical when securing reliable deliveries via air.
Impact on Costs & Lead Times
Ongoing disruptions to key transport routes, including around the Strait of Hormuz, are contributing to higher fuel prices with direct impact on global transportation costs. Companies planning shipments over the coming months should factor in the following:
— Higher and more volatile freight rates across both ocean and air
— Longer and less predictable lead times on affected trade lanes
— Increased need for alternative routing strategies and buffer inventory
Axxess Insight
In a market like this, the robustness of your logistics setup becomes crucial. Companies that work with multiple routing options, structured and well-managed flows, and proactive planning are significantly better positioned to handle disruptions while maintaining cost control and delivery performance.
How Axxess Can Support You
At Axxess, we help our clients adapt their logistics setup to an increasingly complex and changing environment. Whether you need to review your routing strategy, stress-test your supply chain, or simply get a clearer picture of how current events affect your flows — we are here to help.