Dimerco: India, Asia ocean freight rates rise as capacity tightens

India's ocean freight market is expected to see rising rates and tightening capacity on major trade lanes to Europe and the United States, according to Dimerco's July 2026 Asia Pacific Freight Report.

The report forecasts soft capacity and stable rates on intra-Asia ocean routes from India, while capacity to Europe is expected to improve with rising rates. Shipments to the US East Coast and US West Coast are forecast to face tight capacity and rising freight rates.

Dimerco said ocean rates on Asia-Europe and Asia-US trade lanes are firming because of disruption rather than peak demand. Carriers are adding bunker and fuel-related surcharges, while blank sailings and congestion at transhipment hubs such as Singapore and Port Klang are tightening effective capacity and increasing rollover risk from mid-July. The report advises shippers to secure space early, recommending bookings one to two weeks ahead for Asia and Europe and two to three weeks for the US.

Commenting on the market outlook, Ted Chen, Director – Ocean Freight, Global Sales and Marketing at Dimerco Express Group, said: "US import demand has stayed stronger than most expected, and that's keeping space tight right through peak season. The difference this month is on cost. If the Strait of Hormuz stays calm, we may finally see fuel pressure ease rather than build."

For India, the report says the monsoon season is setting in and advises shrink-wrapping all cargo to protect against moisture. It also recommends pre-arranging ocean freight space about a week in advance.

Across Asia, Taiwan's ocean market is seeing demand strengthen as peak season begins, with tighter space on major trade lanes as shipment volumes increase. Carriers are implementing General Rate Increases (GRIs) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS), while rates are expected to remain firm, although geopolitical developments could create some volatility.

In South Korea, US-bound ocean freight rates have risen since last month because of front-loading ahead of Amazon Prime Day and Peak Season Surcharges. Carriers continue to control supply through blank sailings, while rates to Europe and the Mediterranean are also rising.

In China, intra-Asia ocean lanes remain balanced, but long-haul sectors are under heavy strain as severe space constraints and front-loaded early peak-season demand continue to push rates higher. Hong Kong is also experiencing tighter space and higher rates on several Asian routes, while port congestion in the Philippines is extending overall transit lead times.

The report also highlights a new US Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement issued on June 3, 2026. The order tightens Importer of Record (IOR) qualifications and enforcement for US imports through phased changes due to take effect from early September and November 30, 2026. It introduces stricter qualification requirements, expanded disclosure obligations and enhanced compliance measures for importers.

On the airfreight side, Dimerco said demand remains high across Asia. Strong AI and semiconductor shipments from Taiwan continue to keep outbound capacity tight and rates firm on US and regional trade lanes, while the Taipei transit hub is operating at full capacity.

The report also notes that airfreight capacity is tightening across Southeast Asia. Terminal congestion in Bangkok and Manila continues to extend door-to-door lead times, while in India, Middle East rerouting is keeping airfreight rates elevated and shipments to Europe and North America should be booked seven to ten days in advance.