As 2025 winds down, the latest episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club Podcast wraps up a chaotic year in global logistics with insights on what’s coming next. From supply chain surprises to sourcing strategy, it’s a useful listen for any freight buyer planning for 2026.
We hear from three industry voices with insights on what freight buyers should expect in 2026 and how to prepare: Kathy Liu, VP of Global Sales and Marketing at Dimerco Express Group, Nils Roche, Founder of Solvens Advisory (formerly PII-Maersk and CMA CGM), and Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta.
Three words to sum up 2025
Michael King asked the panel to describe 2025 in just three words. Each guest shared a different lens on the year.
Peter Sand focused on volatility, imbalance, and opportunity, reflecting the unpredictable rate swings and regional disparities that defined the market. Nils Roche described it as dynamic, adaptive, and transitional, emphasizing how many shippers adjusted sourcing and procurement in real time.
Kathy Liu responded with: Uncertainty. Agile. Resourceful.
Uncertainty defined the year, from shifting tariffs to unexpected political changes. Agile reflected how logistics teams had to move quickly and stay flexible. And resourceful captured the challenge of adapting to new sourcing models like China plus one, especially in regions with different compliance rules.
Kathy explained that Dimerco and its customers had to constantly redesign logistics solutions across markets to keep supply chains moving.
China plus one has become a core strategy
One of the key topics in the episode is the long-term shift away from relying solely on China for manufacturing. Companies are adjusting their sourcing strategies and placing more emphasis on diversification, but not every market is ready for prime time.
As Kathy Liu points out, this shift is about more than just moving factories. It means understanding compliance rules, labor readiness, infrastructure, and long-term transit impact. That is where many companies run into unexpected costs.
She explains that every country comes with its own legal requirements and logistics challenges. Companies need to adapt not just their supplier networks, but their entire freight and compliance strategy. This includes designing tailored logistics solutions that reflect the realities on the ground in markets like Vietnam, India, or Mexico.
If you’re weighing new markets, download our new ebook Master International Growth. It covers what many expansion playbooks miss and focuses on the legal and compliance realities that can slow down or derail a move into new markets.
What a return to the Suez could mean
The panel breaks down how the Red Sea crisis reshaped ocean freight in 2025 and what might change in 2026. The ceasefire in the Middle East has reopened the possibility of returning to the Suez Canal, but most carriers are still cautious.
Shorter transit times are possible if Suez traffic resumes, but insurers remain hesitant. Carriers are expected to test the waters with smaller ships before fully committing. If diversions via the Cape of Good Hope continue into Q2, fixed rate negotiations may stay elevated well into 2026.
Vietnam Stands Out in 2025
During the discussion, Kathy Liu pointed to Vietnam’s sharp rise in 2025, especially in electronics manufacturing around Hanoi. Production lines are operating at full capacity, flights are packed, and demand continues to climb. Vietnam’s momentum signals a real shift for freight buyers evaluating alternatives to China.
This is a key insight for freight buyers tracking China plus one momentum. Kathy also noted that while tariffs are often discussed in terms of their impact on factories, the real cost is ultimately passed on to the end consumer.
Contracting for 2026 price drops or paper tigers
While spot rates are trending down in many lanes, that does not guarantee easy negotiations in 2026. Carriers are navigating new alliances, fluctuating demand, and political risk in key markets.
Peter Sand shared that the balance of power is shifting. Buyers with strong long-term relationships may have better leverage as alliances settle and capacity adjusts. But volatility could return quickly, especially if geopolitical events disrupt supply.
The panel also discusses how shippers should time their procurement. Rates may fall further in Q1, but waiting too long could backfire if the market tightens suddenly.
What to Prioritize in the Year Ahead
This episode does not try to predict the unpredictable. Instead, it offers freight buyers the chance to reset and prepare for another complex year. Whether you are adjusting your sourcing, locking in contracts, or looking for new partners, the decisions you make in Q1 2026 will shape your margins for the rest of the year.
As the global trade landscape evolves, freight buyers are working to maintain stability while planning for multiple outcomes. For those reviewing contract terms, sourcing locations, or logistics models, get in contact with a Dimerco specialist for guidance tailored to your lanes and product mix.
These are the kinds of developments explored in detail on the Freight Buyers’ Club Podcast. Subscribe for regular insights from global trade and logistics leaders to stay in the know as market conditions evolve.
