Every week, Rinchem shares important articles and topics about chemical and gas logistics, industries we operate in, and the general global supply chain. In this week's review we discuss semiconductor sales, air freight contracts, and transportation prices.
Keep reading to see this week's hot topics.
This week's stats
$1 trillion- amount that global semiconductor sales has surpassed Semiconductor Industry Association
60- percentage of new air freight contracts that are three-month agreements Supply Chain Drive
Year-to-Date Global Semiconductor Sales Top $1 Trillion Through August
In the article Year-to-Date Global Semiconductor Sales Top $1 Trillion Through August, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reports that the global semiconductor market continues to experience unprecedented growth, driven by strong demand across major regions including the Americas, Asia Pacific, and China. Global semiconductor sales reached $159.7 billion in August 2026, marking the industry's 18th consecutive month of year-over-year growth. According to Michael Robbins, president and CEO of SIA, cumulative semiconductor sales surpassed the $1 trillion mark through August for the first time in history, reflecting the sector's expanding role in AI infrastructure, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The organization projects continued momentum through the remainder of the year, signaling a new era of growth and innovation for the global semiconductor industry.
Air freight shippers weary of long-term fixed contracts
In the article Air Freight Shippers Weary of Long-Term Fixed Contracts, air cargo customers are increasingly moving away from long-term fixed-rate agreements in favor of shorter, more flexible contracts that can adapt to volatile market conditions. According to data from Xeneta, shippers remain cautious amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding fuel costs, trade policy, capacity availability, and shifting demand patterns. Rather than locking in rates for a year or more, many companies are seeking pricing mechanisms that adjust with market conditions, allowing them to manage risk more effectively. The article notes that while global air cargo demand continues to grow, elevated fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and changing trade flows are making it difficult for shippers to predict future transportation costs. As a result, flexibility has become a higher priority than rate stability in many air freight procurement strategies.
Transportation prices surge as capacity tightens further in September
In the article“Transportation Prices Surge as Capacity Tightens Further in September,” freight costs continued climbing as record diesel prices and heightened regulatory enforcement restricted trucking capacity. The September Logistics Managers’ Index showed transportation capacity contracting for the tenth consecutive month, with surveyed logistics managers expecting tight conditions to persist over the next year. Meanwhile, businesses continued building holiday inventories, much of which remained with wholesalers and manufacturers rather than retailers. This inventory buildup also squeezed warehouse availability, which contracted at its fastest rate since March 2022. Together, rising transportation, inventory, and warehousing costs are creating a challenging operating environment for shippers and increasing pressure on consumers.
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