Container freight rates are up 50% and air cargo benchmarks are 25% higher, driven by renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting transit through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. naval involvement in facilitating vessel transits is adding risk surcharges and capacity pressure across global logistics markets.
For the produce industry, this matters because higher freight costs flow directly into landed costs on imported goods. Categories like berries, tropical fruits, and off-season vegetables that rely on air or ocean freight from South America, Central America, or beyond are most exposed. Even items shipped domestically feel indirect pressure as trucking and intermodal markets tighten.
This is not yet at the level of disruption seen during peak COVID-era supply chain chaos, but the trend is moving in the wrong direction. Buyers importing produce should be pressure-testing logistics budgets and confirming carrier commitments now before rates climb further.