Current trends in sea and air freight – and why your network matters

You’d have to go back to 2021/22 to find sea freight rates trending as aggressively upward as they have over the past month. According to Xeneta, container spot rates are up an average of 34.2% since the end of February, and that’s before accounting for the eye-watering increases on Middle East corridors.

As industry veterans know, periods like this are a stress test: for supply chains, for carriers, and for the relationships that underpin the international moving sector.

From the Gulf to the globe: how we got here

Shrinking quote validity windows, surcharge flurries, rates that spike week over week – in many ways the impact of the conflict feels like Covid all over again. But where the pandemic increase was demand-driven, the reasons for the current surge are structural.

Cape rerouting is now priced into 2026 rates by default, a clear sign that shipping lines don’t expect to transit the Suez Canal any time soon. To offset the rising oil price, they also implemented emergency fuel surcharges (EFS) across all lanes at the end of March.

The effect of these was immediate, with even the Northern Europe–US East Coast corridor – normally among the most stable – recording successive weekly increases of approximately 20%.

Air freight rates have likewise risen sharply on the back of increased demand, constrained capacity, and higher fuel costs.

South and Southeast Asia have been worst affected. Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways handle approximately 50% of cargo for these regions, and the reduced capacity has increased spot rates by 50-100% since the end of February.  Equally Gulf-carrier reliant, Africa’s capacity to Europe is down 40% and rates up 20% for the same period.

In complex conditions, relationships move cargo

During the pandemic, overflow sea demand was partly absorbed by air cargo, carriers invested in additional vessels, and ultimately the market corrected. In 2026, air capacity is already strained, and the industry has no influence on the oil price.

It’s precisely when conditions are this difficult that being part of a trusted international community stops being an intangible benefit and starts being a measurable one.

It is our trusted and long-standing relationships with you that allow us to identify optimal routing options, flag rate windows, and move quickly when opportunities arise. In turn, we put the global AGS network – and the extensive expertise of our many local teams – at your disposal.

If you’re facing a logistical dilemma without an apparent solution, please reach out to your AGS contact to see what they can do. In these challenging times, solidarity is fundamental to our industry’s success.

The Middle East impact: AGS network COOs report

Shaped by geography, trade routes, and local infrastructure, the effects of the crisis are being experienced differently in every market. Our Network COOs share their real-time views from the ground.

Asia – COO Clement Fagon

Gulf-bound shipments are being discharged in the transshipment hubs of Malaysia and Singapore, but unable to travel onward, are remaining in port. This has resulted in major congestion.

North Asian ports are also congested, although to a lesser degree – mainly due to vessel bunching, as Cape rerouting has disrupted arrival schedules.

India – COO Zia Husain

Vessels diverted away from Middle Eastern ports are being discharged at the ports of Nava Sheva and Mundra, resulting in congestion and consequently delays in berthing and cargo handling.

Extended transit times are creating additional transshipment risks, including cargo rollovers, extra handling, and missed connections. This creates uncertainty in final delivery schedules and overall planning, which is compounded by last-minute operational changes and delays in confirmation from shipping lines.
 

Europe – COO Elliot McMahon

The ports of Rotterdam and Hamburg are experiencing severe congestion as Cape-rerouted vessels arrive in clusters.

Truck capacity to inland distribution points is tightening due to reduced arrival windows. Hamburg is now restricting truck deliveries to 2.5 days before ETA on some vessels.  

Antwerp remains a key transshipment hub for feeder services into Eastern and Central Europe and any congestion here feeds into inland timelines.
 

Africa – COO Thomas de Mallmann

Southern Africa
Cape Town has recorded a 112% surge in diverted vessels since early March 2026. Durban is handling 94 vessels/day (+35%), with the Durban–Johannesburg–Zimbabwe corridor at critical congestion levels.  

East Africa 
Mombasa and Dar es Salaam have emerged as alternative discharge ports following the closure of Jebel Ali. The Mombasa–Nairobi–Kampala–Kigali corridor is under critical pressure, and South Sudan has formally rerouted cargo to Dar es Salaam — though congestion there is comparably severe. Container evacuation to Inland Container Depots now takes 10–14 days, and demurrage charges have risen significantly.

West Africa 
Vessel bunching from Cape rerouting is disrupting port approaches. Late-arriving vessels must queue behind on-schedule calls and are discharged subject to berth availability.

North Africa 
With the Suez Canal effectively closed, Egyptian port traffic and canal revenues are down approximately 50%. The Moroccan port of Tangier-Medina is actively managing capacity to absorb additional traffic from Cape-routed vessels transiting the Strait of Gibraltar en route to Northern Europe.

Food historians trace shakshuka to North Africa, with strong links to Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Algeria. The word “shakshuka” is thought to come from Maghrebi Arabic, roughly meaning “a mixture” or “all mixed up”. That simple name reflects the dish’s rustic, home-style nature.

Over time, shakshuka travelled to the Middle East, becoming strongly associated with breakfast and lunch. Regional variations developed, including versions with feta, aubergine or spinach, and in recent years, it has steadily gained popularity in cafés and restaurants.
 

What to expect

Gently poached eggs in a slow-simmered sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onion and garlic, seasoned with warming spices such as cumin, paprika and chilli. The sauce is rich and aromatic, while the eggs add a silky, comforting contrast. Served straight from the pan with crusty bread for dipping – hearty and deeply satisfying.
 

Why people love it

Shakshuka conjures deep flavour from affordable kitchen staples in just 30 minutes. Moreover, it’s made for bringing people together. The ingredients are combined in a single pan – preferably a cast-iron skillet – which is placed in the centre of the table. Diners serve themselves, using warm pita bread or crusty sourdough to soak up that incredible sauce.
 

When is it eaten?

Traditionally, shakshuka is a breakfast or brunch dish, but it works just as well for a quick supper. It is hearty without feeling heavy, which is part of its appeal.
 

The secret to getting it right

Let the tomato sauce simmer until it thickens and deepens in colour before adding the eggs. A well-reduced base makes all the difference to the final flavour and texture.

⏱️ Make Your Own in 30 Minutes
 
Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chilli flakes or harissa, to taste
• 1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 eggs
• Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
• Crusty bread or flatbread, to serve

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add onion and red pepper and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika and chilli. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. Season well, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Make small wells in the sauce and crack in the eggs. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the whites are set and yolks remain soft.
5. Remove from heat, finish with fresh herbs and serve immediately with bread for dipping.

A simple dish with a rich history, shakshuka proves that the most memorable meals are often the ones enjoyed together.

The value of personal and household goods eligible for duty-free import under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme has increased significantly. Allowance limits are based on the duration of the importer’s stay abroad in the preceding two years:

Important: these allowances apply to items listed in eligible item list only, limited to one unit per family.

Expanded Duty-Free Item List

To reflect modern lifestyles and reduce customs ambiguity, the eligible item list now includes:

• Smart Home: robotic vacuums, air purifiers, dehumidifiers
• Kitchen: air fryers, dishwashers, electric ovens, gas ranges
• Entertainment: gaming consoles (e.g., PlayStation), home theatre systems, projectors, Bluetooth speakers
• Work/Study: multifunction printers, desktop computers, tablets
• Wellness: massage chairs

Please note: drones are still excluded.

Equal Benefits for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals moving to India under the ToR scheme now explicitly receive the same duty-free allowances as Indian residents, provided they meet the stay requirements.

To qualify, expats must:

• Hold a valid visa (non-tourist).
• Intend to stay in India for at least one year (for 1-year allowance) or two years (for 2-year allowance).

Questions?

Our Head of Partner Relations and Service Delivery for India, Sujoy Dutta, is standing by to help. Please email your queries to sujoy.dutta@ags-globalsolutions.com.

Global

MSC updates UN numbers for vehicle shipments

Shipping line MSC has updated its UN numbers for vehicle shipments following the amendment of the IMDG code on 1 January 2026. The update introduces three new UN numbers to better distinguish between propulsion systems.

Important: Vehicles powered solely by lithium metal, lithium-ion, or sodium-ion batteries may no longer be classified under UN3171.

 
This classification is now exclusively reserved for vehicles powered by wet, metallic sodium, or sodium-alloy batteries installed during transport.

Asia

AGS opens in Macau

We’re pleased to share that AGS has opened a new business office in the Macau Special Administrative Region, which offers the full range of destination services:

• Moving surveys
• Packing & furniture disassembly
• All risk insurance
• Road, sea and air transport
• Customs clearance
• Short- and long-term storage
• Unpacking & furniture assembly

Please send all enquiries to: macau@ags-globalsolutions.com.

Europe

No billing changes after Bulgaria joins eurozone

Kindly note that Bulgaria’s admission into the eurozone on 1 January 2026 has not affected any of the procedures for payments made to or invoices issued by AGS Bulgaria. No adjustments are required on your part.

Africa

Egypt: ACID procedures now mandatory for air freight

Effective 1 January 2026, the Advanced Cargo Information Declaration (ACID) procedure – mandatory for sea freight to Egypt since October 2021 – is now also required for all air freight.

To avoid shipment rejection, it is vital to obtain an ACID number before dispatch. Failure to do so will result in the shipment being blocked on arrival, denied entry, and returned to origin, leading to delays, fines and additional freight costs for your account.

How to obtain an ACID number

Please email your ACID request to AGS Egypt Branch Manager renaud.bidault@ags-globalsolutions together with the following information:

• Client name: full name as per passport (no abbreviations).
• Passport copy: high-quality scan of the photo page.
• Client nationality & origin country.
• Loading details: specific seaport or airport of loading.
• Shipment details: final item count and gross weight (must match final BL/AWB).
• Destination port:
  • For sea shipments: Alexandria Old Port (Port Code: EGALY).
  • For air shipments: Cairo International Airport.

AGS Egypt will then generate the ACID number on your behalf. This requires registering the shipment on the ACID system for a fee of $75 + 14% VAT (billed back to you at cost).

How to use an ACID number

Once you receive the ACID number from AGS Egypt, send it – together with the importer/exporter tax ID number – to the shipping line/airline to secure the booking.

Ensure both numbers are clearly displayed on the BL/AWB.

All information provided must be accurate as it will be recorded in the customs system and cannot be changed after the final BL/AWB has been issued.

Port recommendations

For sea shipments, we advise using the Port of Alexandria (EGALY) as the point of entry. Shipments entering via the Port of Dekheila (EGDEK) are subject to lengthy inspections and higher costs, particularly for vehicles, which need to be transferred to Alexandria for traffic registration. This makes it only suitable for fully exempted diplomatic shipments of household goods that don’t require inspection.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please contact renaud.bidault@ags-globalsolutions.com or lamia.mohamed@ags-globalsolutions.com.

At its core, balaleet is made with vermicelli cooked in sugar, cardamom, saffron and rose water, giving it a fragrant sweetness. This is topped with a thin omelette, lightly seasoned with spices such as turmeric or cinnamon. The pairing of sweet noodles with savoury eggs creates a unique flavour profile that sets balaleet apart from most breakfast dishes.

Why it’s a classic

Culturally, balaleet holds strong significance in countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. It is often served for breakfast, during Eid celebrations, and at family gatherings, making it a dish closely tied to tradition and hospitality. Many families also have their own variations, passed down through generations.

What truly makes balaleet special is its simplicity paired with depth. It uses humble ingredients, yet delivers rich aromas, cultural meaning and a sense of nostalgia, reflecting the region’s history of spice trade and its love for food that brings people together.

AGS insider tip

Infuse the butter with saffron before adding the vermicelli. This releases both colour and aroma, giving the dish its signature golden hue and a depth of flavour that makes all the difference.

⏱️ Make Your Own in 30 Minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 200g vermicelli noodles
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee
• 3 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• A pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp warm water
• 4 eggs
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tbsp milk
• A pinch of salt

Method

1. Break the vermicelli into shorter lengths and boil in lightly salted water until just tender. Drain well.
2. Melt butter in a pan over low heat. Add saffron and let it bloom for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add vermicelli, sugar, and cardamom. Toss gently and cook for 3–4 minutes until glossy and aromatic.
4. Whisk eggs with milk, salt and turmeric. Cook into a thin omelette in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat.
5. Serve the sweet vermicelli topped with the omelette, folded or sliced.

Philippines renews FIDI FAIM & ISO quality certifications

AGS Manila is proud to share that they have renewed their FAIM PLUS and ISO 9001 quality certifications!

A big thank you to manager Jarmo Kihlstrom and his team for their dedication to demonstrating consistent service excellence which laid the groundwork for this achievement.

These certifications take the guesswork out of doing business, acting as a guarantee that AGS Manila works according to the highest standards to deliver dependable service.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

AGS Thailand introduces hanging desiccant bag to wardrobe boxes

AGS Thailand is now using new desiccant overflow bags for hanging wardrobes on a trial basis. The photo illustrates how much water was captured in just 1.5 days!

The bags are hung inside the hanging wardrobe box and provide added protection to suits and evening gowns.

They are inserted in addition to container standard absorption poles. If successful, broader implementation will be considered.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sudan Announces New Mandatory ACD Requirement for all shipments

The Sudan Customs Authority has announced the national rollout of the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system to help prevent the importation of prohibited goods and streamline customs clearance.

All shipments to Sudan must comply with the ACD requirement starting 1 January 2026.

Operational rules

1. The ACD certificate must be issued at the loading port.
2. The responsibility for ensuring compliance lies with shippers, exporters, freight forwarders, and carriers.
3. The ACD number must be clearly shown on the Bill of Lading.

Documentation Required for ACD

1. Draft Bill of Lading
2. Commercial Invoice
3. Freight Invoice

This requirement applies to all categories of cargo, including vehicles, machinery, trucks, general cargo, and bulky shipments.

It is expected to reduce port congestion and improve revenue collection by ensuring accurate tax assessments on imported items.

AGS Germany strengthens sustainability credentials

 

We’re proud to share that AGS Germany has successfully renewed its ISO 14001 certification and upgraded its EcoVadis rating from Bronze to Silver.

Congratulations to Country Manager Franck Maudet and his team on this significant achievement! This progress reflects their hard work to embed a genuine commitment to sustainability in AGS’s German branches and actively manage their environmental impact.

These certifications also allow AGS Germany’s partners to meet their own clients’ evolving supply chain expectations, effectively mitigate risk, and align with global environmental trends.

AGS Netherlands earns ISO certifications for quality and data security

AGS Netherlands has successfully renewed its ISO 9001 quality certification and, for the first time, earned the ISO 27001 certification for information security management.

This dual achievement underlines our Dutch team’s dedication to operational excellence on every level. Working in tandem with their FIDI FAIM accreditation, the ISO 9001 certification ensures that every shipment is managed with the highest standards of care and professionalism.

At a time when data security is a top concern, the ISO 27001 certification offers another critical assurance. It signals to clients and partners that AGS Netherlands manages their data according to strict security measures and in compliance with global privacy regulations.

Hats off to the AGS Netherlands team for this double achievement! Earning the ISO 27001 certification in just 10 weeks required a true team effort and wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s support.

Over centuries, dal chawal transcended regional boundaries, with each area adding its own spices and techniques. Today, its simplicity and adaptability continue to earn it a spot on rural and urban dining tables alike.

Recipe for Dal Chawal

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:
For the Dal:

• 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal or moong dal)
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp red chili powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For the Chawal (Rice):

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Cook the Dal:

• Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them for 15-20 minutes.
• In a pressure cooker or pot, add the lentils, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the lentils are soft and mushy (3-4 whistles in a pressure cooker or about 20-25 minutes in a pot).

2. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):

• Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, letting them splutter.
• Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
• Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
• Stir in the tomatoes, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil separates.

3. Combine:

• Add the cooked dal to the tempering. Mix well and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Adjust the consistency with water if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

4. Cook the Rice:

• Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak for 15 minutes.
• In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook on low heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender (about 15 minutes).

5. Serve:
 

• Serve the dal hot with steamed rice on the side.

The GFN is a global nonprofit organisation committed to alleviating hunger and reducing food waste. It supports member food banks in over 40 countries, helping them recover surplus food and essential non-food items to distribute to those in need.

Many Mobilitas subsidiaries already handle items that GFN food banks recover and distribute, making this partnership a natural extension of existing operations.

The GFN and Mobilitas networks also cover many of the same countries, allowing Mobilitas to better measure its impact and ensure that donations go to trustworthy, vetted organisations.

Pending a successful pilot, plans are in place to roll out the partnership across the entire AGS network.

Comforting dough parcels filled with mashed potato, tangy twaróg cheese, and sautéed onion – first boiled, then pan-fried for extra flavour and a crisp edge.

Why they endure

Pierogi are endlessly versatile. Ruskie is just one of countless fillings, both sweet and savoury.

Pierogi are present in every Polish home, I assure you. They’re one of the main traditional dishes on Christmas Eve, especially the kind with sauerkraut and mushrooms. Those are my favourite. Wild mushrooms give the best flavour; I adore them. I gather at least 15kg in the forest every year! AGS Warsaw Director Piotr Dmowski

Did you know?

Pierogi originated in China, spreading to Eastern Europe in the 13th century via the silk road. They’re so beloved in Poland that they even have a patron saint, St. Hyacinth.

🕒 Make Your Own in 30 Minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• ½ cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Make the dough: Combine flour and salt. Add egg and water, knead into a smooth, soft dough. Rest for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: Mash potatoes with cheese. Sauté onion in butter until golden, then mix into the mash. Season well.
3. Assemble: Roll dough thinly, cut into circles, fill each with a spoonful of filling, fold, and seal edges.
4. Cook: Boil in salted water until they float (3-4 minutes). Drain and toss with butter or lightly pan-fry until golden.
5. Serve: With caramelised onions, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Asia:

Singapore: AGS Singapore renews FAIMPLUS certification

A big congratulations to Manager Yannick Lothou and his team at AGS Singapore for successfully renewing their FAIMPLUS certification!
 
AGS Singapore is one of 33 FAIM-certified AGS branches. See the full list below.

Thailand: Book additional free time to avoid demurrage charges

In recent weeks inbound shipments to Thailand have taken more time to clear customs.

Diplomatic shipments, in particular, now take 3-4 weeks to clear due to the time required to obtain a DP1 permit from the ministry of foreign affairs.

This has led to additional demurrage charges in cases where the freight was booked without additional free time.

To avoid these costs, we recommend requesting an additional 21 free days for diplomatic shipments and 14 free days for normal shipments.

Africa:

CMA CGM and MSC resume operations in Mali

Shipping lines CMA CGM and MSC have resumed operations in Mali following separate successful talks with Malian government.

The carriers briefly suspended their services to the landlocked country earlier this month, citing growing security concerns and ongoing fuel shortages.

Shipments on route when the suspension was announced are now once again scheduled to arrive as planned. However, if you have questions about a particular shipment, please contact AGS Africa Desk Operations Manager, Gilbert Mulumba at gilbert.mulumba@ags-globalsolutions.com.

Europe:

Slovakia/Austria: Shipping lines reduce free hours for unloading and import

Please note that, for all shipping lines, the free hours granted for unloading and import to Austria and Slovakia have been reduced from 4 hours to 2. For both countries, waiting time is now charged at 120 euros/hour.

Since import usually takes 1-2 hours in Austria and 2-6 hours in Slovakia (due to the location of the customs office and the volume of freight to be processed at the Port of Bratislava), this change could affect the total cost of your shipments.

Invoices for waiting time are typically issued two to three weeks after the container has returned to the depot and will be billed back at cost plus a 15 euros admin fee.

If you have questions about a particular shipment, please contact AGS Bratislava Director Justas Cemnolonskas at justas.cemnolonskas@ags-globalsolutions.com.

Hungary: Say hello to new branch manager Krisztina Taba

Krisztina joins AGS with an impressive background in customer service and sales!   She previously served as Regional Director of Sales in Europe, managing multicultural teams and developing strong customer and partner networks, and has a proven track record of building high-performing teams!

You can contact Krisztina any time at:

Mobile: +36 70 370 8902
Email: krisztina.taba@ags-globalsolutions.com

You’ll also find her contact details in the latest issue of the AGS contact directory.

Welcome Krisztina!

Middle East:

Oman: new regulations for HHG shipments

Oman customs are drafting new regulations on all HHG import shipments. While not yet official, it appears likely all shipments will be subject to 5% duty and 5% tax. 

Until the new regulations are finalised, AGS Oman can help value shipments on case-by-case basis

They can also advise on the correct HS codes to for each shipment, following the removal of HS Code 980100000001 (personal effects) from the Omani customs system.

For help with your HHG shipment please contact AGS Oman Director Marcus Maguire at marcus.maguire@ags-globalsolutions.com.