Introducing the IMEA Market Update
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the IMEA Market Update—your new, go-to source for timely and relevant insights across the dynamic and diverse Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa region (IMEA).
As part of our commitment to keeping you informed and empowered with relevant information pertaining to logistical events in a timely manner, this monthly publication will bring together expert commentary, key market trends, and operational updates. Whether you're navigating shifting trade flows, capacity changes, or evolving regulatory landscapes, this update is designed to help you make informed supply chain decisions.
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Ocean Update
Maersk launched the Gemini Cooperation East-West network earlier this year to create a more reliable and efficient shipping experience. The latest Sea-Intelligence report revealed that this network registered a schedule reliability reaching 90.3% across all key services, positioning Maersk as the topmost reliable carrier. With this network now fully phased in, it will bring a host of benefits to our customers' supply chains including better network reach, leaner mainline services, reliable shuttle connectivity, and strategic hub advantages for improved inventory management. It also enables enhanced transit time consistency, greater end-to-end visibility for proactive exception management, and supports sustainability goals through optimized operations and reduced emissions.
Trade restrictions imposed due to a short-lived rise in tensions between India and Pakistan in early May caused a minor disruption in operations. Our teams were quick to address this challenge and work towards minimising any impact for our customers’ supply chains. The situation has since stabilised and operations have been running smoothly.
Markets including Sudan , Ethiopia , and Djibouti continue to face geopolitical tension and operational disruptions. Despite challenges, Maersk has maintained service continuity through tactical agility, adaptive routing, and alternate inland solutions. Dynamic lead-time planning and alternative port options remain critical for supply chains operating in or near these geographies.
Seasonality updates across the region
- West Africa is increasingly prioritizing local raw agro-commodity processing—transforming cashews, cocoa, cotton, and soy into higher-value products. Countries like Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal are advancing these efforts to drive economic growth, though raw agro-commodity exports remain substantial. With peak cashew shipments ramping up in West Africa, Maersk is ready to support rising demand to Far East and Middle Eastern markets. Maersk is well-positioned to support growing export demand to Far East and Middle Eastern markets. Our teams are ready to support vessel schedules and container planning.
- With the citrus season in full swing, shippers are encouraged to align inland transport and reefer availability with harvest timelines. A direct service from Eastern Cape to the Western Med is being evaluated to support freshness-sensitive shipments. Now is the time to book citrus capacity and secure necessary equipment and lock in reefer availability.
- Export season in East Africa is at its peak, particularly for avocados from Kenya, Uganda’s cocoa and coffee exports and copper from Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Contact our teams to plan and discover how exports to European and Middle Eastern markets can be made simpler.
Speak with your Maersk contact today to discuss booking plans, cold chain solutions, and integrated logistics support tailored to your needs.
Customs Update
Customs Update – U.S. Tariff Adjustments on Imports from China
On May 10, the U.S. Administration issued an Executive Order modifying tariffs on goods imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including Hong Kong and Macau.
While primarily affecting North American trade flows, this tariff update creates a time sensitive opportunity but also introduces compliance and classification risk that should not be overlooked for IMEA-based exporters and supply chain managers shipping to the U.S.
The U.S. has introduced a temporary reduction on China-origin tariffs, effective May 14, 2025 — including lower rates on general imports, retaliatory duties, and de minimis shipments. For IMEA-based exporters and U.S. importers alike, this presents a critical opportunity to lower landed costs, revisit HS classifications, and consider bonded warehousing options. To stay informed on the latest developments, we invite you to explore our tariff advisory hub. Our Global Trade and Customs Consultants are also available to support you in navigating these changes and planning ahead for your business.
What does this mean for customers in IMEA?
Although the temporary tariff reduction offers potential cost savings, timing and accuracy are crucial. IMEA exporters shipping goods originating from China to the U.S. should act now to assess their exposure and unlock possible benefits.
1. Reassess HS codes
We strongly recommend a targeted tariff classification review, especially for high-value or high-volume SKUs as some goods may now fall under newly reduced or zero-rated codes. Incorrect classifications may result in missed duty savings or penalties.
2. Consider bonded warehousing for strategic flexibility
- Defer duties until stock is released for U.S. consumption
- Time clearance to fall within the reduced-tariff window
- Buy time to correct or reclassify entries.
At Maersk, we are helping you interpret, adapt to, and act on the policy shifts. Our customs teams are here to ensure declarations comply with the latest tariff rulings, help review HS codes and entry strategies and guide you on bonded warehouse use and trade documentation planning. For tailored support, please contact your Maersk representative and visit our Advisories page to stay informed.
Inland Update
Recent trade restrictions between India and Bangladesh have impacted the movement of import cargo from Bangladesh into India through land ports and most seaports apart from Nhava Sheva and Kolkata. Our teams are working closely with impacted customers to keep their supply chains moving while also ensuring compliance with local directives.
In its continued efforts to enhance the country’s freight network capacity and reliability, Pakistan Railways plans to introduce 850 new wagons by the end of this year. In a recent ceremony this month, they introduced 30 new-high speed, heavy capacity freight wagons, bringing the count to a total of 250 wagons that have been integrated into service so far.
On the other hand, the European Union has made a significant investment of €40 million to modernise the Douala–N’Djamena trade corridor. This is a vital route connecting Cameroon’s port city of Doula to the capital of Chad, N’Djamena, and will play a key role in boosting the economies of West and Central Africa.
Air Freight Update
Global air freight forwarding demand remained strong through the start of the year. Furthermore, capacity has increased 4% year-on-year, when measured by available tonne-kilometres, supported by a pick-up in deliveries.
Recent tensions between India and Pakistan had led to a temporary disruption in freight operations. But with the de-escalation of tensions, operations are back to running smoothly. Maersk also launched a new air freight gateway solution from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. With regular weekly scheduled air freight services and guaranteed space out of Pakistan to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this solution provides short transit times and an efficient delivery experience that strengthens customers’ supply chains. In addition to speed and reliability, customers benefit from integrated end-to-end logistics including customs clearance, inland trucking with 24-hour delivery to major cities like Riyadh, Madina, and Dammam, as well as temperature-controlled handling for perishables.
This gateway supports industries such as fresh meat, FMCG, frozen food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and more—offering scalability, simplified coordination, and sustainable logistics infrastructure. You can find a short overview of this gateway here.
Transport Your Mangoes with ease using Maersk Air Freight Services
With mango season thriving in Pakistan, this year exporters are eyeing a target of 125,000 tons to be exported to markets in the Middle East, Europe and North America. The need of the hour is dedicated cold chain solutions that ensure prompt delivery while still maintaining the freshness of mangoes.
As mango export volumes rise, reliable air freight and cold chain capacity remain essential. Maersk offers air cargo solutions and cold chain support that can help exporters move fresh produce efficiently. With scheduled weekly flights and broad global network coverage, there's available capacity to support consistent and secure end-to-end movement of mango shipments to key markets.
Learn more about how Maersk Air Freight can ease the journey of mangoes from Pakistan to the rest of the world.
More News & Insights from Maersk from around the world
- IMEA Supply chain digest
- Maersk’s Logistics Trend Map analyses the top ten trends and game changers for global supply chains
- South African Exporters get a sneak peek into Maersk’s upcoming cold store facility in Cape Town | Maersk
Useful links
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