📌 Weekly Logistics Highlights (April 11–17, 2026)

This week, global logistics faced persistent disruptions as the Strait of Hormuz remained tightly controlled despite a US-Iran ceasefire, with traffic down approximately 95% from pre-crisis levels. US-China trade tensions escalated dramatically as White House confirmed 145% cumulative tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting retaliatory duties exceeding 147% from Beijing. South Korean ports saw continued transshipment growth amid ocean carrier network shifts, while China accelerated green fuel bunkering expansion. US West Coast ports posted resilient first-quarter volumes, though energy costs and tariff uncertainty clouded the outlook. Air cargo rates to the Middle East began stabilizing from earlier spikes, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia advanced a new logistics corridor to bypass Hormuz.

China

Hong Kong, China

🔹 HK Green Shipping Fund Approves Fourth Batch, Cumulative HK$3.25 Billion (Apr 15)

Hong Kong‘s Marine Department approved a fourth batch of 16 applications under the HK$16 billion Green Shipping Fund, disbursing approximately HK$750 million. Cumulative disbursements now exceed HK$3.25 billion across 61 approved projects, including 28 methanol vessel retrofits and 33 shore power installations. Officials confirmed that the fund has attracted interest from 22 international shipping lines, with the department targeting completion of the next review round by June 2026.

🔹 HKIA Cargo Volumes Hold at 455,000 Tons as Transshipment Diversifies (Apr 17)

Hong Kong International Airport maintained cargo handling volumes at 455,000 tons this week, with transshipment demand from Southeast Asia to Europe remaining robust as shippers continued avoiding blocked Red Sea routes. Pharmaceutical shipments utilizing expanded cool chain capacity increased 18% week-on-week, reinforcing Hong Kong‘s position as a critical Asia-Europe air bridge amid ongoing maritime disruptions.

Shenzhen, China

🔹 Yantian Port Methanol Bunkering Reaches 12 Weekly Operations, Cumulative 18,000 Tons (Apr 14)

Shenzhen Yantian Port expanded green methanol bunkering operations to 12 per week, servicing an increasing number of Asia-Europe liner vessels and three new Middle East services. Monthly methanol supply surpassed 6,000 tons in April, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 4,200 tons since March 1. The port signed a fourth long-term supply agreement with a global energy trader, securing pricing stability through 2028.

🔹 Shenzhen Reports 24% Export Growth in Q1 2026, NEVs Lead Surge (Apr 16)

Shenzhen‘s exports maintained 24% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by new energy vehicles, electronics, and cross-border e-commerce. The city’s logistics sector handled 1.95 million TEUs in Q1, up 20% from the same period last year. Logistics providers reported a 45% increase in warehousing space bookings in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah as sellers accelerate ”overseas warehouse“ strategies to mitigate shipping delays.

Guangzhou, China

🔹 Nansha Port Adds Fourth Weekly Middle East Ro-Ro Service, NEV Exports Hit 18,000 in April (Apr 13)

Guangzhou Nansha Port expanded its Middle East Ro-Ro service to four weekly departures, responding to sustained NEV export demand. The service now handles 6,000 vehicles per week to Jeddah and Dubai, with automated loading systems reducing port stay to under nine hours. NEV exports through Nansha reached 18,000 vehicles in April, a 20% increase month-on-month.

🔹 Guangzhou Airport Launches Guangzhou–Riyadh Freighter, Middle East Cargo Up 28% (Apr 12)

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport launched a new freighter service to Riyadh operated by Air China Cargo, utilizing B777-200F aircraft. Weekly cargo volume to the Middle East increased 28% week-on-week, with electronics and pharmaceuticals accounting for 68% of shipments. Spot air freight rates held at $5.20–6.30/kg for general cargo, with priority cool chain shipments commanding $8.50–10.50/kg as the new service added 120 tons of weekly capacity.

Shanghai, China

🔹 COSCO Resumes Middle East Bookings via Multimodal Solutions, Utilization at 92% (Apr 11)

COSCO Shipping announced resumption of new bookings for general cargo containers to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman via multimodal transport solutions following a three-week suspension. The carrier’s 14 Asia-Middle East services rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope reported 92% utilization, with bookings extending through June. War-risk surcharges held at $1,500–2,000/20GP and $3,000–4,000/40HC.

🔹 Yangshan Port Completes 5G Remote Crane Rollout to 30 Berths, Covers 72% of Capacity (Apr 15)

Shanghai‘s Yangshan Deep Water Port completed expansion of 5G-enabled remote crane operations to 30 berths, covering 72% of terminal capacity. The system now allows a single operator to control up to eight cranes simultaneously, improving peak efficiency by 32% and reducing manual intervention by 50%. The port aims to achieve full automation across all berths by October 2026.

Tianjin, China

🔹 Tianjin Port Green Corridor Covers 48% of Traffic, On Track for 55% by Mid-2026 (Apr 14)

Tianjin Port‘s green shipping corridor now covers 48% of total port traffic, with 85 LNG- and methanol-powered vessels using the facility this week. The port completed 45 additional shore power connections, bringing the total to 185. Monthly carbon emissions reduced by an estimated 5,200 tons in April, supporting Northern China’s sustainable port development goals, with the port aiming to achieve 55% green corridor coverage by mid-2026.

🔹 Tianjin Binhai Airport Adds Sixth Weekly Middle East Freighter, Auto Parts Lead (Apr 16)

Tianjin Binhai International Airport increased cargo flights to Jeddah to six weekly, responding to sustained demand for auto parts and electronics. B747 freighters now provide weekly capacity of 1,800 tons, with transit times under 10.5 hours. The expanded service handles approximately 40% of Tianjin‘s air cargo to the Gulf region, alleviating pressure on sea routes affected by Hormuz disruptions.

Qingdao, China

🔹 Qingdao Port Completes First ”One-to-Many“ Methanol Bunkering, Weekly Ops Hit 20 (Apr 13)

Qingdao Port completed 20 green methanol and LNG bunkering operations this week, including Shandong Port Group‘s first “one-to-many“ ship-to-ship green methanol bunkering delivering 2,500 tons to two COSCO container vessels simultaneously. The port offered berthing discounts totaling RMB 4.2 million to eco-friendly vessels in April. Bunkering volume is on track to triple by Q3 2026, positioning Qingdao as Northern China’s largest green fuel supply hub.

🔹 Qingdao–Osaka Cargo Flights Expand to Six Weekly, Fresh Produce Trade Grows (Apr 15)

Qingdao Airlines expanded its Qingdao–Osaka cargo service to six weekly flights, responding to strong demand for electronics and fresh agricultural products. B737-800BCF freighters now provide weekly capacity of 900 tons, with dedicated cool chain lanes ensuring temperature control for seafood and perishables. The expanded service supports growing trade between Shandong Province and Japan‘s Kansai region.

Vietnam

🔹 Haiphong Port Throughput Up 28% in April, Textile Exports Lead Growth (Apr 14)

Haiphong Port handled 520,000 TEUs in the first half of April, on track for 28% monthly growth. Textile and electronics exports to the U.S. and EU rose 24%, supported by 24/7 port operations and streamlined customs procedures. Average container dwell time held at 2.3 days, down 62% from pre-crisis levels, as the port continued to benefit from supply chain diversification away from disrupted routes.

🔹 Vietnam Unveils 19-Inland Container Depot Plan, Targets 15% Cost Reduction by 2030 (Apr 12)

Vietnam‘s Ministry of Construction announced Decision No.428/QD-BXD, establishing a strategic network of 19 inland container depots (ICDs), adding two new facilities at Cai Mep and Tan Cang-Moc Bai. The Cai Mep ICD covers 9.15 hectares with throughput capacity of approximately 133,000 TEUs annually. The plan aims to reduce logistics costs by 15% by 2030 and position Vietnam as a regional transshipment hub, attracting interest from Japanese and South Korean investors.

South Korea

Busan, South Korea

🔹 Busan Port Transshipment Volume Hits 680,000 TEUs Weekly, Q1 Volumes Edge Long Beach (Apr 16)

Busan Port‘s weekly transshipment volume reached 680,000 TEUs, up 22% from late March and setting a new record for the sixth consecutive week. The port added 12 cranes and extended operating hours to handle the surge, with on-time performance holding at 95%. Semiconductor shipments through the dedicated “Chip Express” lane increased 38% week-on-week, supporting South Korean tech manufacturers.

🔹 Busan Port Authority Invests 435 Billion Won in AI Transformation by 2030 (Apr 15)

The Busan Port Authority announced a 435 billion won investment by 2030 to launch Busan Port AX (AI transformation), targeting 30% productivity improvement. The initiative builds on the successful Microsoft AI predictive logistics system pilot which achieved 15% efficiency gains in berth allocation. Full AI integration is scheduled for phased rollout from Q4 2026, aiming to position Busan as a ”future-oriented hyperconnected AI port.“

Incheon, South Korea

🔹 Incheon Airport Air Cargo to Middle East Sustains 40% Increase, UPS Expands Facility (Apr 13)

Incheon International Airport sustained a 40% weekly increase in air cargo volume to the Middle East, with UPS quadrupling its cargo facility capacity to more than four times its previous size. High-value electronics and pharmaceuticals comprised 74% of shipments. The airport‘s cool chain facilities processed 38% more pharmaceutical shipments than March, maintaining transit times under 9.5 hours amid Middle East instability threatening global shipping routes.

🔹 Incheon Port Breaks Ground on First Fully Automated Terminal, Completion Set for 2028 (Apr 17)

Incheon Port Authority began superstructure construction on Phase 1-2 of Incheon New Port, the port’s first fully automated terminal with all container handling managed by remote unmanned systems. The KRW 800 billion project will establish infrastructure for automation including rails for automated equipment, yard paving, and quay crane installation. Full completion is targeted for 2028, positioning Incheon as South Korea‘s second fully automated terminal after Busan.

United States

🔹 U.S. Confirms 145% China Tariffs; Refund Portal to Launch April 20 for $166 Billion (Apr 15)

The White House officially clarified that total tariffs on Chinese imports have reached 145%, comprising a 125% reciprocal tariff layered atop a 20% fentanyl-linked duty. China responded with retaliatory tariffs exceeding 147% on U.S. exports. Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will launch the CAPE refund system on April 20 to issue refunds for $166 billion in tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court as unlawful, with 56,497 importers already having completed the registration process.

🔹 Long Beach Edges Los Angeles as Busiest U.S. Port in Q1 2026, Volumes Ease (Apr 16)

The Port of Long Beach handled 2.39 million TEUs in Q1 2026, narrowly edging out the Port of Los Angeles‘ 2.38 million TEUs by a margin of just 1,382 TEUs—the closest quarterly contest in 25 years. Long Beach processed 774,935 TEUs in March, down 5.2% year-on-year, while Los Angeles handled 752,520 TEUs, down 3%. Port officials noted that the Iran war has not yet directly reduced container volumes but warned that rising fuel costs and supply chain disruptions will ultimately affect consumer prices.

Bangladesh

🔹 Chittagong Port Holds Dwell Time at 4 Days, Foreign Operator to Manage New Terminal by December (Apr 13)

Chittagong Port sustained operations at 130% capacity with 38 additional cranes and extended hours clearing textile machinery and raw materials ahead of peak garment production season. Container dwell time held at four days, down from 12 days in February. The government announced that foreign operators would be appointed by December to manage the New Mooring Container Terminal, with the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project involving an investment of Tk 13,525 crore.

🔹 Bangladesh Railway Resumes Dhaka–Chittagong Corridor Capacity Upgrade, Tk 330 Billion Project (Apr 14)

Bangladesh Railway resumed capacity enhancement of the Dhaka–Chattogram railway corridor following government approval with funding assurance from a development partner. The project involves more than Tk 330 billion and aims to expand daily container train services beyond the current 15 trains per day, each carrying 60 TEUs. South Korea also provided a $3.63 million grant for railway infrastructure and safety improvements.

Myanmar

🔹 Yangon Port Handles 53 Container Vessel Calls in April, Imports from China Up 30% (Apr 12)

Yangon Port scheduled 53 container vessel calls in April 2026, including 11 from COSCO Shipping Line and nine from SITC Shipping Line. Imports from China increased 30% week-on-week, driven by consumer goods, electronics, and construction materials. The port‘s simplified ”four-document“ verification and bilingual pre-declaration portal maintained average clearance times of 17 hours as Myanmar‘s economy continued post-holiday recovery.

🔹 Myanmar Railways Plans Special Parcel Trains, Customs to Operate During Thingyan Holiday (Apr 11)

Myanmar Railways announced plans to increase special parcel train services, with each train capable of carrying 243 tonnes of cargo on the Yangon-Mawlamyine route. The Customs Department confirmed it will continue processing import and export goods through international ports and airports during the Thingyan holiday (April 13–16). However, domestic flight operations faced disruptions due to aviation fuel shortages affecting multiple airlines through late April.

Middle East

Red Sea & Strait of Hormuz (April 11–17, 2026)

🔹 Hormuz Transit Remains 95% Below Pre-Crisis Levels Despite Ceasefire

Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained approximately 95% below pre-crisis levels despite a two-week US-Iran ceasefire that began April 8, with only 5–8 vessels transiting daily under tight Iranian supervision. Between March 1 and April 15, just 388 commodity carriers passed through the strait, 255 of them oil and gas tankers. Around 3,200 vessels remain stranded west of the strait, including nearly 800 tankers and cargo ships.

🔹 First Crude Tanker Transits Since Blockade; Iranian-Controlled Corridor Remains Only Option

The Malta-flagged very large crude carrier Agios Fanourios I became the first crude tanker to head west through the Strait of Hormuz since the US blockade on Iranian ports took effect, crossing on April 15. Vessels are being routed through a narrow northern corridor along the Iranian coastline under monitoring by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with Iran reportedly imposing transit charges up to $2 million per vessel, some payments requested in Chinese yuan.

🔹 Egypt and Saudi Arabia Build Hormuz-Proof Logistics Corridor via Red Sea Ports

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are quietly building a new logistics corridor utilizing Egypt‘s Mediterranean and Red Sea ports connected to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports, creating a Strait of Hormuz-proof bridge for Gulf nations. Hundreds of tonnes of refrigerated and dry cargo have been routed from Europe‘s Port of Trieste to Egypt’s Port of Damietta, then to Port of Safaga on the Red Sea before shipment to Gulf markets through Saudi ports like Duba, reducing time and costs compared to navigating the blocked strait.

🔹 Air Cargo to Gulf Remains 40% Above Pre-Crisis Levels, Rates Begin Stabilizing

Air cargo capacity to the Gulf region held 40% above pre-disruption levels, though down from peak surge levels, as freighter routes from China, South Korea, and Europe continued operating at near-full capacity. Spot air freight rates stabilized at $4.50–5.50/kg for general cargo, with priority shipments (electronics, pharma) commanding $7.50–9.50/kg. Southeast Asia to Europe rates have pulled back approximately 10% from recent peaks, though analysts warn that full recovery to pre-conflict levels could take one to two months.

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