Global airfreight rates experienced a modest decline last week, consistent with the sector’s typical mid-summer lull. According to the latest market intelligence from the TAC Index, a leading global airfreight price reporting agency, the Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) slipped by 0.3% week-on-week (WoW) in the week ending 21 July 2025, placing it 0.8% below the same period in 2024.
With the market entering its quietest phase of the year, pricing momentum has slowed across most regions. Despite continued concerns over a potential re-intensification of tariff disputes later in the year, current market sentiment remains subdued, and significant price shifts are not anticipated in the short term.
China Export Routes: Gradual Softening Continues
Airfreight rates on China’s core outbound lanes—to both North America and Europe—eased further. The BAI Spot indices from Hong Kong, currently under public trial, also edged lower.
Across Southeast and South Asia, the picture was mixed:
In contrast, Bangkok and Seoul recorded continued rate increases to Europe, maintaining strong YoY gains, potentially reflecting capacity tightening and resilient demand on those corridors.
European Export Hubs Register Notable Gains
Several European origins posted some of the week’s most robust growth:
Additional newly tracked routes from Europe—particularly those serving India and South Africa—also saw upward rate movements. In contrast, rates to Mexico, Brazil, and Australia were either flat or slightly lower.
United States: Mixed Signals Across Lanes
Airfreight pricing out of the U.S. presented a divergent picture:
The BAI50 index for outbound Chicago declined 2.7% WoW, resulting in a 10.2% YoY decrease, pointing to persistent softness in Midwest-origin traffic.
Market Outlook: Stability Prevails, but Underlying Risks Persist
Despite variations across specific trade lanes, the overall global airfreight market remains broadly stable. While pricing is marginally lower on a year-over-year basis, this aligns with expectations for the seasonal summer slowdown.
Most industry observers anticipate continued stability in the short term. However, several underlying risks remain:
Industry participants are advised to maintain operational agility, monitor regulatory developments, and prepare contingency strategies for potential disruptions later in the year.
Source: https://aircargoweek.com/global-airfreight-rates-edge-lower-amid-summer-lull/
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