The removal of the de minimis exemption for packages from China by the United States in May triggered a 43% month-on-month drop in e-commerce airfreight volumes from China to the US.
According to data from Aevean, this significant decline in shipments underscores a strategic pivot by e-commerce platforms, which redirected airfreight to alternative markets to offset the downturn in US-bound volumes.
Steep Decline in China-US E-commerce Trade
Aevean’s figures reveal that e-commerce airfreight volumes from China to the US fell from 109,325 tonnes in April to 62,658 tonnes in May, marking a sharp 43% reduction.
Despite this, overall e-commerce airfreight volumes from China were down by just 3% in May, totaling slightly over 400,000 tonnes, as platforms shifted their focus to other destinations.
Maarten Wormer, Aevean’s Head of Consulting, described the decline as “steep,” attributing it to the US decision to eliminate the de minimis exemption. This exemption previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the US duty-free and with minimal customs processing.
With its removal, packages transported via commercial airlines are now subject to a 30% tariff, while those using postal networks face either a 54% tariff or a flat fee of $100.
Europe and Other Markets Fill the Gap
As the US market contracted, Europe emerged as a key beneficiary. Aevean’s data shows that e-commerce airfreight volumes from China to Europe increased by 13% in May, reaching 119,810 tonnes.
Other global destinations also experienced growth, with volumes rising by 12% month-on-month to 132,349 tonnes. Additionally, shipments to Southeast Asia saw a 4.1% increase, totaling 87,383 tonnes in May.
Wider Impact on Global Trade Patterns
Aevean’s analysis highlights the broader effects of US tariffs on global trade. Recent trends show that:
Laptop shipments from Vietnam to the US have surged, while volumes from China have declined.
India's smartphone industry has capitalized on these shifts, surpassing China as the largest airfreight supplier of smartphones to the US.
These changes reflect a dynamic reconfiguration of supply chains as businesses adapt to new tariff landscapes.
Source: https://www.aircargonews.net/e-commerce-logistics/china-us-e-commerce-airfreight-drops-steeply-in-may/1080297.article
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