Global Freight Crisis Prompts Uzbekistan to Rethink Trade Routes
The ongoing conflict across the Middle East has prompted Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade to actively seek out alternative logistics corridors.
Representatives from the ministry’s press service told Kursiv Uzbekistan that officials are currently evaluating new trade pathways that would rely on Chinese ports while transiting through Kazakhstan. Additionally, Georgian ports are being considered as another viable option, which would involve moving cargo overland via Turkmenistan.
This urgent search for new supply lines is a direct response to the mounting financial pressures caused by regional volatility. The ministry highlighted that instability surrounding Iran has driven up freight costs through the vital port of Bandar Abbas by an average of 30% to 40%.
The Middle East has long served as a critical node for global energy and container shipments, meaning any disruption there inevitably triggers a costly ripple effect across international markets.
Writing for RBC, AppScience Chief Operating Officer Andrey Glukhov explained that rising geopolitical risks inflate far more than just basic transport fees. He noted that the overall cost of supply chain predictability is surging.
Businesses are now burdened with steeper insurance premiums, higher working capital requirements, the expense of stockpiling inventory and the heavy costs associated with emergency route alterations. While the United Arab Emirates has historically been the primary logistics hub for the region, this shifting landscape could push companies to rely more heavily on alternative centres in Turkey, Hong Kong, Qatar and Vietnam.
These widespread supply chain disruptions are already reflecting in global pricing structures. In early March, Forbes Russia reported a noticeable climb in international air freight rates, with costs for shipments from Southeast Asia to Europe rising by more than 6% and those from South Asia to Europe increasing by 3%.
To compound the issue, carriers have introduced substantial delivery levies to cover their own mounting operational expenses. By the middle of March, these extra shipping surcharges were costing businesses anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the specific volume of the container.
