DHL Express has reported a significant 16% increase in its Heavy Weight Express (HWX) service in Asia Pacific, excluding China, during the first half of 2026. This surge reflects the company’s strategic focus on facilitating the movement of critical components and machinery amidst an unpredictable global trade environment.
The rise in heavyweight shipments is largely attributed to high-value technology-related cargo, engineering, manufacturing, and the automotive industry, which together account for two-thirds of the total heavyweight segment. Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific at DHL Express, noted that businesses are opting for express logistics to manage supply chain risks, stating, “Businesses are shipping heavy when timing matters and when it’s critical.”
The technology sector, particularly semiconductors and data centre components, represents over 34% of DHL’s heavyweight shipments. The demand for rapid delivery of these components is driven by the expansion of data centres and the increasing need for computing capacity and cloud services. The automotive sector is also experiencing robust growth, with shipment weight increasing by nearly 20%, fuelled by the expansion of electric vehicle manufacturers in Asia.
Countries such as India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, and Hong Kong have shown the fastest growth in heavyweight shipments, underscoring their roles as key trade corridors and manufacturing bases. DHL Express has bolstered its infrastructure in the region, adding new facilities and expanding its aviation network to support this growth.
As businesses continue to navigate complex supply chain challenges, DHL’s HWX service is positioned to provide the speed and reliability needed to maintain production continuity and meet urgent delivery timelines.
