Lunar New Year is traditionally one of the first major stress points for global supply chains with factory shutdowns across Asia, front-loaded exports, and potential shifts in freight rates.

But in 2026, the signals are more nuanced. Is global supply chain demand stabilising — or beginning to soften? 

On Industry Insight, The Afternoon Update’s Lynlee Foo speaks with Andrew Coldrey, Vice President for Asia Pacific at C.H. Robinson, about what early 2026 freight patterns are revealing about global trade. They discuss softer retail demand and evolving inventory strategies, air freight dynamics including semiconductor and technology cargo, ocean capacity and carrier pricing decisions, manufacturing diversification across Southeast Asia, as well as the impact of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty on global trade flows.

Listen for a measured look at how resilient global supply chains really are, and the indicators to watch in the months ahead.

Lunar New Year is traditionally one of the first major stress points for global supply chains with factory shutdowns across Asia, front-loaded exports, and potential shifts in freight rates.
But in 2026, the signals are more nuanced.&nbsp;Is global supply chain demand stabilising &mdash; or beginning to soften?&nbsp;
On Industry Insight, The Afternoon Update&rsquo;s Lynlee Foo speaks with Andrew Coldrey, Vice President for Asia Pacific at C.H. Robinson, about what early 2026 freight patterns are revealing about global trade. They discuss softer retail demand and evolving inventory strategies, air freight dynamics including semiconductor and technology cargo, ocean capacity and carrier pricing decisions, manufacturing diversification across Southeast Asia, as well as the impact of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty on global trade flows.
Listen for a measured look at how resilient global supply chains really are, and the indicators to watch in the months ahead.

Take a step back, refocus, and Reset with Lynlee.

Take a step back, refocus, and Reset with Lynlee.

Airing weekdays from 1pm to 4pm, the show brings clarity to the stories shaping Singapore and the world — from current affairs and global developments to business trends and industry shifts. Through insightful conversations and fresh perspectives, Lynlee explores what’s driving the headlines and where things are heading next.

Featuring segments like Viewpoint, Industry Insight and Suite Talk, Reset goes beyond the noise to offer thoughtful analysis, real-world context and ideas that help you recalibrate for the rest of your day.

Take a step back, refocus, and Reset with Lynlee.
Airing weekdays from 1pm to 4pm, the show brings clarity to the stories shaping Singapore and the world &mdash; from current affairs and global developments to business trends and industry shifts. Through insightful conversations and fresh perspectives, Lynlee explores what&rsquo;s driving the headlines and where things are heading next.
Featuring segments like Viewpoint, Industry Insight and Suite Talk, Reset goes beyond the noise to offer thoughtful analysis, real-world context and ideas that help you recalibrate for the rest of your day.