Industry News

ADVISORY UPDATE – MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT IMPACTING GLOBAL SHIPPING

We wanted to provide you with a brief update on the current logistics environment across the Middle East, following recent developments in the region.

As of this week, freight movements to, from, and via the UAE and the wider Gulf continue to experience disruption. While operations remain active, conditions are fluid and subject to change at short notice.

What we are seeing:

• Ocean freight: Ongoing routing constraints and port congestion are impacting schedules, resulting in extended transit times and reduced reliability.
• Air freight: Capacity remains constrained, operating below normal levels, with continued sensitivity to airspace and regulatory changes.
• Routing adjustments: Carriers are increasingly utilising alternative gateways across Oman, Saudi Arabia, and other regional hubs, often requiring multimodal solutions.
• Commercial impact: Elevated freight rates and surcharges are being applied across multiple lanes, with a continued shift toward short-term and spot pricing.
• Operational environment: Booking confirmations, routings, and transit times remain subject to frequent change.

What this means for you:
We recommend building additional lead time into your supply chain planning and maintaining flexibility across routing, carriers, and modes of transport. Early engagement on upcoming shipments will be key to securing space and managing cost exposure.

TCF continues to work closely with our regional partners and carriers to monitor developments and identify the most reliable routing options available. We will keep you informed as the situation evolves.

If you have any upcoming shipments or require support reviewing your supply chain options, please reach out to your TCF contact.