GLOBAL logistics provider Rhenus Group has increased key infrastructure in Southeast Asia as part of ongoing plans to expand across key trade corridors.
Three fully operational gateways facilitate inbound and outbound cargo flow to and from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok to Europe and Oceania, the Americas and Europe.
The Bangkok gateway also serves as a multi-modal hub to enhance Intra-Asia trade capabilities through regional air freight and cross-border trucking.
Rhenus Logistics’ vice president global air freight, Chris Bode, said Southeast Asia is a focus growth area for air freight.
“The gateways are at the center of the company's latest expansion plans, and go beyond delivering the global promise of reliable, customer-centric logistics solutions,” he said.
“They are designed with scalability in mind, and integrate the latest digital and sustainable logistics solutions, to give our global customers flexibility and efficiency."
The gateways offer flexibility for phased expansions, a full suite of solutions, door-to-door services, customs clearance, cargo consolidation and value-added air freight services.
Rhenus Air & Ocean CEO APAC Joacim Hanssen said the China+1 strategy, which encourages foreign companies to invest in at least one other country outside of China, has increased cargo flow into Southeast Asia.
"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,” he said.
“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."
Despite weaker external demand, higher tariffs, and persistent policy uncertainty, Asia is expected to remain the biggest driver of global growth, contributing about 60% in 2025 and 2026.
Trade lanes from Asia are also seeing growth as manufacturers prioritise Southeast Asia for their sourcing needs.
According to the International Air Transport Association, air freight volumes since September 2025 saw the Europe/Asia corridor grew by 12.4% YoY, as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur become important inbound and outbound hubs for European cargo.
Trade between China and ASEAN totaled 3.67 trillion yuan (AUD$790,151,000,000), a year-on-year increase of 9.6%.