The map of global apparel production is being redrawn. For decades, East Asia was the undisputed center of manufacturing. Today, a more complex migration is underway, moving not just towards Southeast and South Asia, but into a new era of sourcing strategy. This evolution is driven by a convergence of factors: competitive labor costs, government policies, geopolitical headwinds, and tech-driven disruptions. For shippers and brands, the critical question is no longer just how to ship, but from where to source in a way that builds a resilient, agile, and future-proof supply chain.

Global air conditioner shipments are rising due to climate change and economic shifts. ONE's analysis reveals the key trade lanes and factors driving this logistics boom.

A confluence of record global temperatures, proactive government energy policies, and large-scale economic development is fueling a sustained increase in the ocean freight volume of air conditioners. As the United Nations reports that 2024 was the hottest year in recorded history,
the ripple effects are reshaping key trade lanes from manufacturing hubs in Asia to meet surging demand in North America, the Middle East, and Europe. For shippers and logistics professionals,
this isn't a simple story of rising temperatures alone; the surge is driven by a complex interplay of consumer needs, government incentives, and shifting manufacturing strategies. Understanding
the dynamics of these key trade lanes is now essential for navigating this expanding market and building a resilient supply chain.