Market conditions across North America are stabilizing, but operational pressures persist across freight and inland logistics, reports the Netherlands' Fresh Plaza.

Global container demand rose 3-5 percent year-on-year in Q1 2026, supported by Chinese exports. North American imports remained slightly negative, while Africa and Europe recorded stronger growth. Maersk stated that uncertainty persists due to higher energy prices and Gulf trade constraints.

Mediterranean trade lanes are facing delays from disruptions in the Middle East, while increased activity at US West Coast ports, particularly Los Angeles, is lengthening terminal processing times.

Demand for perishables is strong, with West African cut flowers moving into Mexico and South Africa's citrus season underway in the US and Canada. The LCL market is currently in a phase of operational optimization, with capacity available despite uneven demand and sourcing shifts toward Southeast Asia.

Air freight markets are significantly affected, with more Sea-Air conversions via Dubai and Singapore creating bottlenecks. Mexico's air cargo operations are under pressure from higher demand, weather limitations, and reduced carrier capacity.

Inland logistics continue to face challenges due to elevated diesel prices, especially on the US East Coast and Gulf gateways. Congestion persists at Los Angeles/Long Beach, and chassis availability remains inconsistent at New York/New Jersey. However, rail performance has improved, with Prince Rupert reducing dwell times by four days.

Cold storage availability has improved, shifting the focus to service quality and compliance. Retailers are prioritizing centralized fresh produce distribution, while pharmaceutical shippers demand greater visibility. Customs authorities in the US, Canada, and Mexico are increasing scrutiny on origin tracing and trade data accuracy.