Global Freight Market Update - December 2025

December 22, 2025

Global Freight Forwarding News 

Key Takeaway

Global supply chains and freight forwarding operations experienced steady performance in December 2025, with air cargo volumes reaching new highs, ocean freight networks adapting to evolving security risks, and U.S. ground transportation showing signs of stabilization. Regulatory changes such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Canada’s steel surtax, and Mexico’s tariff reform are set to impact landed costs and compliance for importers and exporters in the coming year. Nearshoring and cross-border logistics continue to drive demand for warehousing and supply chain resilience along the U.S.–Mexico corridor.

Summary

December 2025 was a month of relative stability for global logistics and supply chain management, though trends varied by mode and region. Air cargo demand continued to grow, setting new records for monthly volumes, while available capacity expanded even faster, resulting in ongoing pressure on yields and freight rates. Ocean carriers cautiously explored a return to Red Sea and Suez Canal routes as security risks temporarily eased, but most container services remained diverted around the Cape of Good Hope due to persistent concerns among freight forwarders and shippers. In the U.S. domestic market, spot truckload rates firmed while contract rates stayed broadly flat, and warehousing demand increased as companies maintained cautious inventory strategies. Major regulatory changes, including the EU CBAM, Canada’s new steel surtax, and Mexico’s tariff reform, are expected to impact landed costs and customs compliance for importers and exporters in 2026. The continued trend toward nearshoring is driving increased demand for cross-border logistics, warehousing, and supply chain optimization along the U.S.–Mexico border.

International Air Freight News

• Air cargo demand increased 4.1 percent year over year, with global volumes reaching new highs and strong growth on Europe–Asia and intra-Asia trade lanes.
• Capacity expanded 5.1 percent year over year, outpacing demand and putting downward pressure on yields, even as freight rates rose for the fifth consecutive month.
• Asia–North America air freight volumes continued to contract, highlighting the importance of flexible routing and diversified gateway strategies for shippers and freight forwarders.

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International Ocean Freight News

• Ocean carriers are piloting limited Suez Canal transits, but most global container services remain diverted around the Cape of Good Hope due to persistent security and insurance concerns.
• The risk of port congestion in Northern Europe remains elevated if both Cape and Suez flows converge, especially as some carriers plan partial Suez returns in early 2026.
• New vessel deliveries and ongoing overcapacity are expected to disrupt ocean freight networks, leading to increased vessel idling and scrapping unless global demand rebounds.

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U.S. Domestic Ground Freight News

• Spot truckload rates firmed in December, tracking up about 4 percent year over year, while contract rates remained broadly flat and tender acceptance rates stayed high.
• Warehousing demand increased, reflecting cautious inventory management and the need for flexible storage solutions in the face of uncertain freight volumes.
• The trucking industry continued to experience stress, with further carrier exits and bankruptcies amid a prolonged freight recession and shifting supply chain dynamics.

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Latest Policy & Trade Developments

• U.S.–Switzerland–Liechtenstein Tariff Updates: The United States has introduced new tariffs for imports from Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with some categories eligible for zero duty and others subject to higher rates. Importers should check for retroactive changes and potential refunds. [Read more]

• Canada’s 25% Surtax on Steel Derivatives (Effective December 26, 2025): Canada will apply a 25 percent surtax on certain imported steel derivative products. Importers and freight forwarders should review product eligibility, potential exclusions, and ensure customs compliance. [Read more]

• EU CBAM Transition (Effective January 1, 2026): The European Union is launching annual monitoring and CBAM certificates for imports in sectors such as cement, steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. Supply chain and logistics professionals should prepare for new compliance and reporting requirements. [Read more]

• Mexico Tariff Reform (Effective January 1, 2026): Mexico is increasing tariffs (5%–50%) on a wide range of non-FTA origin goods, including auto parts, textiles, plastics, steel, and more. Companies should review sourcing strategies and update customs documentation to optimize supply chain costs. [Read more]

Stay ahead of global trade changes with Crane Worldwide Logistics’ Tariff Response Unit. Discover expert insights, tariff clarity, and peace of mind to help your business navigate evolving customs regulations and minimize costs. Click here to learn how our dedicated team can keep your shipments moving despite tariff uncertainty!

Location Spotlight: Dubai, UAE

Crane Worldwide Logistics is proudly serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Our Dubai facility provides comprehensive freight forwarding and 3PL solutions, including air, ocean, ground, and warehousing services. Conveniently located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, our Dubai logistics hub offers direct access to Jebel Ali Port, the largest container port in the Middle East, and is just minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). This prime location ensures efficient multimodal connectivity for global supply chains.

Our modern warehouse is designed to handle both high-volume and high-value cargo, featuring advanced security, temperature-controlled storage, and customs-bonded capabilities. As a licensed NVOCC and IATA-accredited air freight agent, our Dubai team delivers tailored logistics solutions, customs clearance, and value-added services to support your business throughout the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Looking to optimize your supply chain in the UAE or expand your reach across the Middle East region? Contact Crane Worldwide Logistics Dubai today for customized, end-to-end logistics solutions supported by our global network and local expertise. 

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