- The logistics solutions provider strengthens its setup in Southeast Asia as trade flows shift towards the region
- Investment into a network of strategic gateways in Southeast Asia ensures that Rhenus is better positioned to support global customers across all logistics solutions
Leading global logistics provider Rhenus Group is steadily increasing its investments in Southeast Asia, as part of its ongoing plans to strengthen its presence across key trade corridors globally. The China+1 strategy has also influenced cargo flows in Southeast Asia, increasing cargo volumes and creating greater demand for more resilient, flexible and cost-effective logistics solutions.
Despite weaker external demand, elevated tariffs, and persistent policy uncertainty, Asia is expected to remain the biggest driver of global growth, contributing about 60%1 in 2025 and 2026. Trade lanes between Asia and the world are seeing growth as well, as manufacturers prioritise Southeast Asia for their sourcing needs. According to IATA, air freight volumes, as of September 2025, saw the Europe/Asia corridor grew by 12.4%2 YoY, reflecting a strategic shift in trade flows toward Southeast Asia as cities such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur increase in importance as key inbound and outbound hubs for European cargo. Trade between China and ASEAN totalled 3.67 trillion yuan3, a YoY increase of 9.6%, compared to a 9.3% YoY decrease in terms of China’s trade with the United States.
“Southeast Asia is a focus growth area for Air Freight in Rhenus. The gateways are at the centre of the company’s latest expansion plans, and go beyond delivering the global promise of reliable, customer-centric logistics solutions. They are designed with scalability in mind, and integrate the latest digital and sustainable logistics solutions, to give our global customers flexibility and efficiency,” said Chris Bode, Vice President Global Air Freight, Rhenus Air & Ocean.
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In 2025, Rhenus set up air freight gateways in key trade hubs in the region – Singapore & Thailand (Bangkok) and with the already existing Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) – to optimise cargo flows across Southeast Asia and with global trade lanes. The strategic gateways strengthen the presence of Rhenus across key corridors, including (and not limited to):
- Kuala Lumpur facilitates inbound cargo from Europe and outbound cargo to Oceania.
- Singapore handles inbound cargo from Asia or Oceania, and outbound cargo to the Americas.
- Bangkok manages outbound cargo to Europe and serves as a multi-modal hub to enhance Intra-Asia trade capabilities through regional air freight and cross-border trucking.
The fully operational gateways, with the flexibility for phased expansions, offer a full suite of solutions, door-to-door services, customs clearance, cargo consolidation and value-added air freight services. Technology-enabled capabilities, such as smart logistics platforms, real-time tracking and digital documentation to streamline operations, power the gateways. Sustainable logistics initiatives, such as electric vehicles for pre- and on-carriage, optimised routing and low-emission transport options, will also be embedded across all three gateways.
Joachim Hanssen, CEO APAC, Rhenus Air & Ocean, said, “With recent global developments, including the China +1 strategy, more businesses are set to include the Southeast Asian region as an increasingly important piece of their global logistics plans. Rhenus has been and remains committed to supporting our customers in these fast-growing markets. We are confident that our strategic plans to grow our capabilities in this region, by enhancing resilience and operational agility, will position us as a preferred partner to meet evolving regional and global trade needs.”
Looking ahead, Rhenus will continue to identify strategic investment opportunities in Southeast Asia and the overall APAC region, as part of its commitment to support and facilitate its customers globally.
