Dimerco: Taiwan AI cargo demand keeps Asia-Pacific airfreight tight

Strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and semiconductor shipments from Taiwan to the United States continues to keep airfreight capacity tight across key trade lanes, according to Dimerco's July 2026 Asia Pacific Freight Report.

The report says heavy cargo volumes from Taiwan have filled the Taipei (TPE) transit hub, leaving limited room for additional shipments. As Taiwan remains a major consolidation point for US-bound high-tech cargo, airfreight space is scarce and freight rates remain firm on both US and regional routes.

"The clearest signal this month is out of Taiwan. AI-driven volumes have filled the TPE transit hub to capacity, and until that demand eases, space and rates across US and regional lanes will stay under real pressure," said Kathy Liu, Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Dimerco Express Group.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, intra-Asia airfreight demand remains strong, with Bangkok and Singapore continuing to see high shipment volumes. Dimerco noted that the surge in US-bound cargo seen in early June lasted only about two weeks before volumes returned to stable levels.

The report also highlights ongoing terminal congestion at Bangkok and Manila, which continues to extend door-to-door transit times. Shippers are advised to allow additional buffer time when planning shipments to these destinations.

Demand for airfreight remains strong in several Asian markets. Taiwan continues to benefit from AI server and high-value electronics exports, with direct and indirect flights to the US experiencing strong demand. Capacity on routes to India and other Asian destinations also remains limited, requiring advance bookings.

In South Korea, rising AI server and semiconductor exports continue to tighten capacity, while equipment cargo is adding further pressure on regional airfreight services. Semiconductor, cosmetics and pharmaceutical exports are also supporting demand on South Asia routes.

Across Southeast Asia, airfreight capacity is tightening as the peak season approaches, with demand to the US, Canada and Europe strengthening. Elevated fuel surcharges and Middle East rerouting continue to keep long-haul airfreight rates high, while intra-Asia markets remain relatively stable.

Thailand and Malaysia continue to experience tight airfreight capacity driven by strong high-tech exports. In Thailand, congestion remains the main challenge, with shippers advised to secure space several days in advance and allow for possible flight delays.

Singapore is also seeing very tight airfreight capacity due to strong semiconductor demand, while the Philippines continues to face operational delays at Manila's airport because of terminal works, leading to longer cargo clearance times.

The report also highlights new US import requirements following the White House's 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 that will take effect in early September and by November 30, 2026.

Under the new requirements, all IORs must hold tangible US assets and/or an appropriate bond to file entry, while foreign IORs will no longer be allowed to file informal entries. Formal entries will require CTPAT validation or a CTPAT-validated broker, along with expanded disclosure requirements and stricter compliance measures. Although detailed rules are still awaited from US Customs and Border Protection, the report says the changes point to tighter import requirements for shipments entering the US.

Dimerco recommends booking early on high-demand airfreight corridors, particularly for shipments from Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia, to avoid space shortages and shipment delays.