‘Supply chain reconfiguration is creating major opportunities’ – LX Pantos CEO

Yong Ho Lee, President & CEO of LX Pantos In an interview published in association with LX Pantos, president and CEO Yong Ho Lee discusses shifting supply chains, growth opportunities in key markets and the role of technology in the future of logistics. Could you briefly introduce LX Pantos? Founded in 1977 and headquartered in South Korea, LX Pantos is a global logistics provider offering end-to-end supply chain solutions across freight forwarding, contract logistics, ecommerce logistics, last-mile delivery and installation, and SCM consulting. The company handles more than 1.6m TEU of ocean freight and 120,000 tonnes of air freight annually through a network of more than 380 locations and 8,500 employees worldwide. LX Pantos generated approximately $5.6bn in revenue in 2025 and continues to invest in digital platforms and IT solutions to improve visibility and operational efficiency. LX Pantos has been expanding its global footprint in recent years. How would you define the company’s core strategic priorities for the next three to five years? LX Pantos is focused on strengthening its core business by growing volumes in key overseas markets, securing logistics infrastructure and pursuing new business opportunities. Over the next few years, we aim to expand both the scale and scope of the business and build the capabilities needed to compete with the leading global logistics players. What differentiates LX Pantos from other large global freight forwarders and integrated logistics providers? LX Pantos combines a global network, end-to-end logistics capabilities and digital solutions with a strong customer-focused approach. By understanding customers’ specific requirements and responding with speed and flexibility, we deliver tailored solutions for increasingly complex supply chains. This is supported by deep operational expertise and experience across a wide range of industries and markets. Where do you see the most significant growth opportunities geographically and by sector? Global supply chains are being reshaped by changing trade patterns and geopolitical uncertainty. We see strong growth potential in North America, Southeast Asia, India and Eastern Europe as companies reconfigure their supply chains. From an industry perspective, ecommerce, semiconductors, AI, batteries and electric vehicles are expected to remain key drivers of logistics demand. How is the current market environment, particularly weaker freight rates and demand volatility, shaping your strategy? Freight rates and demand volatility continue to affect the logistics sector. In response, LX Pantos has focused on diversifying its portfolio. Businesses such as contract logistics and installation services are less exposed to market fluctuations and provide more stable revenue streams. Our objective is to build a resilient and sustainable business that can perform consistently through market cycles. Are you seeing any structural shifts in global supply chains that are changing customer requirements? The pandemic, geopolitical disruptions and other global events have changed customer expectations. Where logistics decisions were once driven primarily by cost, customers are now looking for supply chain resilience, reliable transportation management, effective risk response and solutions that improve overall supply chain performance. To what extent are shippers prioritising resilience over cost today, compared with pre-pandemic? Since the pandemic, customers have placed greater emphasis on supply chain resilience rather than cost alone. They increasingly value reliable operations, secured capacity, alternative routing options and strong risk-management capabilities. As a result, providers with robust networks, infrastructure and operational stability are better positioned to win business. LX Pantos positions itself as an end-to-end logistics provider. Which parts of the value chain are you prioritising for further development? LX Pantos has built strong capabilities in international ocean and air freight and is now expanding its in-country transportation and warehousing operations, including rail, trucking and storage infrastructure. In the US, effective intermodal solutions are essential, and we expect opportunities in this area to continue growing. We are strengthening our intermodal capabilities, including through Boxlinks, our joint venture with ONE. How important are contract logistics and warehousing to your growth strategy? Contract logistics and warehousing are key pillars of our growth strategy. Customers continue to place greater importance on reliable inventory management and logistics centre operations. In addition, multi-year contract structures provide greater revenue stability, helping us build a more resilient business. Are there particular industries where you see the strongest demand? We are closely monitoring high-growth industries such as ecommerce, semiconductors and AI infrastructure. Ecommerce is expected to remain a ma