News #116 - Global Airfreight Market Holds Steady Despite Slight Dip in Weekly Rates

13.06.2025

The global airfreight market saw a slight decrease in rates last week, reflecting continued stability despite persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties. According to the latest data from TAC Index, the Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) declined by 0.6% for the week ending June 9, marking a year-on-year decrease of 4.8%.

While this represents a marginal weekly drop, the market remains relatively stable compared to last year's inflated figures, which were bolstered by a surge in e-commerce demand and offset by significantly lower jet fuel prices.

Regional Trends

Asia

Rates on major routes from China softened slightly, with declines observed on shipments to both Europe and the United States. Spot rates from Hong Kong, tracked by the new BAI Spot indices—currently nearing a public trial phase—also showed a downward trend.

However, the broader BAI30 index, which covers both spot and contracted shipments from Hong Kong, rose by 0.8% week-on-week, despite being 7.6% lower than the same period last year.

In Shanghai, the BAI80 index experienced a minor weekly drop of 0.9%, placing it 5.0% lower on a year-on-year basis.

Elsewhere in Asia:

Vietnam: Rates increased slightly on shipments to Europe but continued to decline on routes to the United States, falling significantly compared to last year.

India: Rates decreased on exports to both Europe and the US, continuing a pattern of year-on-year declines.

Bangkok and Seoul: Rates on Europe-bound lanes slipped, though they remain well above last year’s levels, supported by robust demand and growing volumes.

Europe

The European airfreight market presented a mixed picture:

Rates to Japan increased, and shipments to the United States saw slight weekly gains, maintaining strong year-on-year growth.

Rates on routes to China declined.

Outbound rates from Frankfurt (BAI20) dropped 1.7% week-on-week but stood 0.7% higher year-on-year, driven by strong performance on transatlantic routes.

London Heathrow (BAI40) followed a similar trend, with a weekly dip of 0.7% but a year-on-year increase of 3.6%, fueled by robust demand to the Middle East.

North America

Airfreight rates from North America rose week-on-week to Europe and South America, bolstered by further increases on routes originating from Miami. However, rates to China declined.

The Chicago outbound index (BAI50) fell by 5.1% week-on-week due to softer pricing on Southeast Asian routes. Nevertheless, it maintained a slight year-on-year gain of 0.2%.

Expanded Data Coverage

TAC Index continues to broaden its market insights by adding new lanes to its coverage. Recent additions include routes from Europe to India, the UAE, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and South Africa; from Mexico to Europe; and from China to India, Spain, and Australia.