We have prepared a transport update on the UAE logistics market for June 2025.
Air Freight: More capacity, smarter tracking
- Etihad Cargo has introduced SmartTrack, a new premium service providing real-time visibility over cargo location and condition. Using next-gen smart labels with GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity, the system continuously monitors not just location, but also temperature, humidity, shock, and light exposure — making it especially valuable for pharmaceutical, electronics, and high-value shipments. The solution is backed by Etihad’s 24/7 control tower for full operational oversight.
- Emirates SkyCargo continues to enhance its east-west network. From Q3, two new weekly charter freighters will connect Milan and Southeast China via Dubai — a route expected to support pharma, fashion, and general cargo flows.
- The airline is also adding a new stop in Beirut on the current freighter service between MST, Netherlands, ZAZ, Spain and DWC, strengthening access to Levant markets with steady flows of garments and pharmaceuticals from Europe. Emirates’ freighter fleet, currently at 11 Boeing 777Fs, is set to double in the coming years.
- In addition, Emirates will launch daily non-stop flights to Hangzhou starting July 30, making it the airline’s fifth Chinese gateway. Combined with existing services to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, Emirates will soon operate 49 weekly flights to mainland China. With over 2,000 tons of cargo already moving weekly from China, this expansion directly supports growing demand in trade and e-commerce.
- Flydubai is also scaling up its European network. In May, the airline announced new routes to Chișinău and Iași (from September) as well as Riga and Vilnius (from December). This marks flydubai’s debut in the Baltics and adds underserved destinations to its fast-growing map — now covering 35 European cities across 20 countries.
Ocean Freight: Rate Hikes and Policy Winds
- The global container market saw another sharp increase in spot rates. According to Drewry, the World Container Index rose 10% week-over-week, reaching $2,508 per 40-foot container — the strongest relative jump since July 2024. China–US trade lanes led the surge, with Shanghai–Los Angeles up 17% and Shanghai–New York rising 14%.
- This pricing rally was partially triggered by a short-term easing of trade tensions between the US and China, prompting American importers to ramp up volumes ahead of possible tariff changes. As such, future shifts in tariff policy will likely remain a major variable affecting ocean freight costs in the second half of 2025.
- Meanwhile, Maersk announced a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) effective from June 15, applying to all cargo — both dry and reefer — bound for the Gulf region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and neighboring countries. This move reflects mounting congestion and capacity pressure ahead of Q3 demand.
What This Means for Your Supply Chain
- Increased connectivity through new air routes offers better options for time-sensitive cargo to and from Europe and Asia.
- Advanced cargo monitoring tools like SmartTrack make real-time compliance and risk mitigation easier — particularly for pharma and temperature-sensitive goods.
- Rising ocean rates and PSS underline the importance of proactive rate management and flexible routing strategies.
At WELLGO, we monitor these market dynamics daily to help our clients plan better, mitigate risks, and find the most efficient routes. Whether you're shipping high-value pharma, e-commerce parcels, or full container loads, our team is here to tailor solutions to your goals — with real-time insight and on-the-ground support.