Dimerco’s February 2026 Freight Report: Pre-Lunar New Year Market Dynamics
The global freight landscape is shifting as we enter February 2026, with pre-Lunar New Year dynamics creating short-term demand spikes across air and ocean markets. Dimerco‘s latest Asia Pacific Monthly Freight Report offers critical insights into these evolving conditions.
Manufacturing Momentum Softens
Global manufacturing ended 2025 cautiously, with the PMI hovering around 50.5 in December. This weaker reading suggests demand and business confidence remain subdued heading into 2026. While growth continues, the pace has slowed considerably.
Regional Market Patterns
Northeast Asia sees pre-Lunar New Year shipments supporting short-term demand, particularly for high-tech cargo. Taiwan received positive news with US tariff reductions from 20% to 15%, reducing uncertainty for traditional exporters.
Southeast Asia faces elevated export activity ahead of the Chinese New Year, tightening capacity across both air and ocean freight. Port and road congestion add operational pressure, though post-holiday slowdowns are anticipated.
North America experiences front-loading ahead of Lunar New Year, with winter weather and capacity constraints increasing delay risks.
Air Freight: Temporary Tightness
Kathy Liu, VP of Global Sales at Dimerco, notes that “intra-Asia demand is still holding up well versus last year.. With Chinese New Year approaching, we expect space to tighten, especially on China-to-Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Thailand routes.”
The e-commerce slowdown since January will likely keep spot rates on US and European lanes stable or under mild downward pressure.
Ocean Freight: Rate Discipline vs Reality
The Transpacific market shows an intriguing disconnect between rate levels and actual cargo demand. Ocean carriers have maintained rate floors through GRIs and capacity control, but this doesn’t necessarily reflect strong demand. Instead, the market appears to be avoiding a rate war.
Nearly 47% of global blank sailings between weeks 4 and 8 are on the Transpacific Eastbound lane, suggesting weaker cargo expectations. Ted Chen, Director of Ocean Freight at Dimerco, observes: “If 2025 was all about tariff uncertainty, 2026 may be all about enforcement risk.. Shipping today is not just about moving cargo. It also means staying disciplined on compliance and getting documentation right.”
Trade Compliance Updates
The report covers critical compliance developments, including Section 232 tariffs on semiconductors, CBP’s new electronic refunds requirement, USMCA renewal uncertainty, and Mexico’s stricter documentation rules effective January 1.
Europe: New Challenges
European markets face weather disruptions and the full phase-in of EU ETS requirements.. Major carriers have increased carbon surcharges by 40-50%, adding approximately USD 170 per container on Asia-Europe routes.
Download the Complete Report
This overview highlights just a fraction of Dimerco’s February 2026 Asia Pacific Freight Report. The complete report includes comprehensive country-by-country forecasts, detailed capacity and rate outlooks, PMI data for 15 manufacturing countries, and trade compliance guidance.
Download the full February 2026 Asia Pacific Freight Report to access complete market intelligence and position your supply chain for success.
Dimerco connects Asia with the world through integrated freight forwarding and logistics services, serving customers from 150+ offices across China, India, Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe.
