- Structural volume growth (ongoing since last year): Increased exports of AI servers, semiconductor equipment, and related products; increased imports of semiconductor equipment, raw materials, and server parts.
- Additional freighter demand: Taiwan ground handlers are serving an additional 80–90 freighter flights per month on top of regular commercial flights.
- Typhoon disruption: Freighter operations were suspended from October 23–25; the terminal estimates that more than 207 freighter flights were canceled, creating a substantial import backlog.
- Equipment constraint: Import cargo awaiting breakdown occupied available cargo dollies, restricting export cargo movement to the ramp.
- Manpower constraint: Ground handlers and terminal operators have limited manpower to serve the additional volume.
Current Status:
Cargo dolly availability has improved, but recovery remains gradual. Further freighter cancellations remain possible while terminals clear the backlog.
Carrier Impact:
China Airlines freighter services have experienced the most disruption, including cancellations and delays. China Airlines, EVA Air, and STARLUX Airlines have advised that cargo handling and export processing may take longer.
Shipment Impact:
Shipments moving to, from, or via TPE should anticipate:
- Export: Longer cargo handling and acceptance lead times
- Import: Delayed cargo breakdown and availability
- Freighter: Departure and connection delays
- Scheduling: Cargo rollovers or schedule changes while backlogs are cleared
- Transit: Additional transit time for shipments connecting through TPE
Transit Cargo:
Transit cargo requires particular attention. TPE ground-handling delays may affect onward connections even when the originating flight operates as scheduled.
Recommended Actions: Share forecasts and book space as early as possible. Tender cargo early. Flag urgent or time-sensitive shipments early.
Expeditors Taiwan is coordinating with carriers and terminal operators, monitoring affected shipments, and reviewing alternative routings where appropriate. Please contact your local Expeditors representative for shipment-specific guidance.
