The air cargo market has witnessed a significant increase in the volume of laptops transported from Vietnam to the U.S. in recent months, as highlighted by recent data from consulting firm Aevean.
According to Aevean, laptop exports via air cargo from Vietnam rose by 4,400 tonnes in April compared to February’s figures, when approximately 2,500 tonnes were shipped. This surge represents an impressive growth rate of 75% over two months.
Volumes also showed consistent growth in March, with the total increase over March and April reaching approximately 8,000 tonnes. To accommodate this spike in demand, an additional 1.5 widebody freighter flights per day would be required.
Shift in Air Cargo Demand
While Vietnam’s laptop exports surged, airfreight volumes of laptops from China declined sharply during the same period. Aevean’s data indicates that monthly exports from China dropped from around 7,000 tonnes in January to approximately 2,500 tonnes in February and March, with further reductions recorded in April.
This shift illustrates how the ongoing U.S.-China trade conflict has influenced air cargo flows.
Impact of U.S.-China Trade Tariffs
The trade war between the U.S. and China has significantly reshaped the air cargo landscape.
In February, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an initial 10% tariff on Chinese imports under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
By March, the tariff rate increased by an additional 10%.
In April, new tariffs were introduced at 34%, eventually escalating to as high as 145% later in the month as tensions peaked.
Additionally, the removal of the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed e-commerce packages to enter the U.S. duty-free, imposed further costs on shipments transported via commercial airlines.
However, certain electronics, including laptops and smartphones, were exempted from these tariffs in mid-April.
In May, a 90-day partial suspension of the trade war was announced, reducing U.S. tariffs to 30%.
Industry Adaptation and Vietnam’s Emergence
Despite the turbulence caused by the trade war, overall air cargo volumes have remained stable, buoyed by a wave of front-loading and urgent shipments ahead of the implementation of various tariffs.
Speaking at the recent Air Cargo Europe event, airline executives noted a significant shift in air cargo demand to alternative markets, with Vietnam emerging as a key beneficiary.
Vietnam’s growing prominence in the airfreight sector underscores its strategic position as manufacturers and shippers seek alternatives amid evolving trade policies.
Source: https://www.aircargonews.net/data-news/air-cargo-sees-laptop-demand-out-of-vietnam-surge/1080254.article
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