European companies importing semiconductors from Asia are drawing on backup stock and paying higher air freight costs as the Iran war disrupts Middle East cargo routes. Global air freight capacity is down about 9% versus pre-war levels, causing delivery delays and higher expenses. While inventory levels are declining, companies—including automakers—are absorbing costs to maintain chip supplies, essential for electronics, with no major drop in overall imports yet.

2026-03-19

European companies importing semiconductors from Asia are drawing on backup stock and paying higher air freight costs as the Iran war disrupts Middle East cargo routes. Global air freight capacity is down about 9% versus pre-war levels, causing delivery delays and higher expenses. While inventory levels are declining, companies—including automakers—are absorbing costs to maintain chip supplies, essential for electronics, with no major drop in overall imports yet.