Maersk Market Update Shows “Uneven” Conditions

The extended import peak season is beginning to ease, according to integrated logistics provider Maersk, but transportation networks continue to experience localized capacity constraints, elevated operating costs, and weather-related disruptions. “November brings a change of priorities for North American supply chains,” the company said in its November 6 Maersk North America Market Update for November.

Maersk, which owns the world’s second-largest container shipping companies, pointed to Drewry’s October assessment that indicates a more balanced global container market, although conditions remain uneven across individual lanes. Congestion, fuel prices, equipment availability, and local transportation conditions continue to affect the movement of goods on inland networks.

Further, the region’s trade and regulatory environment is evolving, creating specific priorities for shippers: accurate importer records in the United States, review of potential surtax relief in Canada, and preparation for changes to Mexico’s Customs Law.

Global air freight demand excluding low-value goods grew by approximately 9-11%, year over year, while North American imports increased approximately 20% in July and August, the carrier reported. AI-related cargo led the increase, but demand for non-AI goods also remained solid. AI-related goods now account for nearly 30% of all U.S. air import volumes by weight, climbing sharply from approximately 19% at the start of 2025, although non-AI goods also saw solid demand based on the latest Q3 data.

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