Global freight planning is being reshaped by three outcomes of the Iran War—fuel shock, tighter air capacity, and Strait of Hormuz disruption—according to a report from Dimerco Express Group, the Taipei-based global shipping and logistics service provider.

Under that pressure, the freight market is increasingly driven by fuel costs, rerouting, and geopolitical disruption rather than a broad demand surge, the firm said in its “April 2026 Asia-Pacific Freight Report.” Overall, the report points to continued expansion in global manufacturing, but with softer momentum, higher operating costs, and tighter booking conditions across key air, ocean, and rail lanes.

The report listed four data points to support that conclusion:

• Jet fuel rose from about $95 per barrel in late February to $197 per barrel by March 20.
  
• Taiwan air freight rates increased by roughly 20% to 30% on disrupted lanes.
• North America air freight rates rose 20% to 50% as fuel surcharges and rerouting intensified.
• China-Europe rail hubs imposed $300 to $500 per container increases in March, with broader market increases now moving above $500 per container.

“April is shaping up to be a cost-driven freight market, not a broad demand-driven one,” Catherine Chien, Chairwoman of Dimerco, said in a release. “We are seeing fuel shock and Middle East rerouting tighten air capacity from Taiwan, Korea, and across Southeast Asia, while ocean carriers layer in bunker-related surcharges and rail into Europe moves higher as shippers look for alternatives. If disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continues, shippers should expect elevated freight costs, shorter rate validity, and more route-specific volatility across Asia-Europe and Asia-North America in the weeks ahead.”