Freight Waves by Seabreeze – Trends and insights shaping logistics
- seabreezelogistics
- Dec 9
- 2 min read
DHL GF rejects buying market share, as forwarders brace for soft 2026 air rates
DHL GF has said it will no longer “buy market share” at the expense of margins — a sharp shift as forwarders prepare for what many expect will be a weak 2026 air-freight market. With industry forecasts pointing to just 2–3% growth in air-cargo demand in 2026 — while supply continues to expand — freight-rate pressure is mounting. DHL’s decision reflects a broader trend: many forwarders are likely to pivot toward more selective capacity buying and yield-focused business rather than aggressive volume capture. Already in Q3 2025, DHL’s air-freight volume remained almost flat year-on-year even as revenue declined, underscoring the tough pricing backdrop.
Low-cost car exports driving market share growth for China
China’s automakers are pushing low-cost and affordable cars — including internal-combustion and budget EVs — into global markets where demand remains strong for value and affordability. As a result, Chinese auto exports are surging: exports are on track to surpass 6.8 million vehicles in 2025, reflecting strong global appetite. This export boom is enabling China to gain market share across Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa and parts of Europe — challenging legacy automakers that tend to target premium segments. The trend underscores a shift in global automotive demand: where price and practicality matter most, Chinese brands are becoming increasingly competitive and influential.
Glickman faces rival bid as Hapag-Lloyd enters Zim takeover battle
Hapag-Lloyd has entered the fray, submitting a preliminary offer to acquire ZIM — putting it in direct competition with Eli Glickman’s management-led bid. ZIM’s board has responded by launching a formal “strategic review of alternatives,” engaging advisers to weigh all proposals and maximize shareholder value. The news stirred the market: ZIM’s share price jumped nearly 5–4% on the open as investors reacted to the takeover speculation. At the same time, solidarity among major carriers is growing: other global players such as Maersk and MSC have also reportedly expressed interest in ZIM — signaling a potentially wide bidding battle.
CMA CGM and Ocean Alliance double down on backhaul Suez transits
CMA CGM and its Ocean Alliance partners are reinstating a second Europe–Asia backhaul service through the Suez Canal, signalling renewed confidence in Red Sea stability. The shift back to Suez will cut round-trip transit times by about a week and improve vessel utilisation, with carriers deploying larger ships to maintain capacity. The move marks a gradual return to pre-crisis routing as security conditions and canal incentives strengthen.
