In response to the escalating export logistics costs triggered by the recent conflicts in the Middle East, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), under the leadership of Chairman Yoon Jin-sik, has announced the initiation of the '2026 Marine and Air Export Logistics Support Program' starting from September 27th.
This program is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and national maritime and air transport companies.
The impact of the Middle East crisis has led to a staggering rise in global shipping and air freight rates, which have surged by over 40%.
This dramatic increase has particularly magnified the logistical difficulties faced by small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs).
To alleviate this burden, KITA plans to partner with major logistics firms, including Samsung SDS and Hyundai Glovis, to offer a structured three-track export logistics support initiative based on transportation methods and cargo volumes.
**Track One: Joint Maritime Transportation Support**
As a critical response measure stemming from the 'Emergency Logistics Response Team' established in March, KITA is moving forward with a national shipping support initiative.
This program will involve participation from the Korea Shipping Association and eight national shipping companies, aiming to provide discounted shipping options for SMEs exporting full container loads (FCL).
For major routes to Southeast Asia and India, the participating shipping firms will offer a total of 1,680 TEU per month at rates 10-20% lower than the market average.
Following a pilot operation until June, adjustments to shipping rates and route expansions will occur based on the observed freight rate trends.
**Track Two: Small Cargo Shipping Promotions**
For exporters dealing primarily with less than container load (LCL) shipments, KITA is collaborating with Samsung SDS to run continuous maritime freight promotions.
Samsung SDS will offer special freight rates on over 20 routes, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia, alongside waivers for advance filing fees for KITA members completing more than two shipments annually.
**Track Three: Airfreight Support via KITA EXPRESS**
Amid rising air transport demand for consumer goods—particularly premium cosmetics due to quality maintenance concerns exacerbated by the prolonged shipping route detours around the Cape of Good Hope—KITA has launched the 'KITA EXPRESS' initiative in conjunction with national airlines including Air Jet and Hyundai Glovis.
Starting in May, businesses exporting consumer goods such as cosmetics, clothing, and accessories on the Incheon to LA, Frankfurt, Vienna, and London routes will benefit from special pricing.
Jae-wan Han, Head of Logistics Services at KITA, emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "As shipping rates rise globally in response to increased oil prices, we hope this initiative will provide much-needed relief for our export companies grappling with high logistics costs.
" Han further noted that once hostilities cease, there may be a sudden surge in maritime export demand to the Middle East, potentially straining the cargo capacities of SMEs.
He assured stakeholders that once it's safe to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz again, KITA will work with relevant authorities to secure dedicated cargo space for small exporters.
This comprehensive support program illustrates KITA's proactive stance in safeguarding the interests of Korean exporters during these turbulent times, ensuring that SMEs have the resources to maintain competitiveness in the global market despite external pressures.
