The latest figures from data firm WorldACD show that volumes to Europe from the e-commerce hub of Hong Kong showed a “very significant” 12% week-on-week fall in tonnage for the week running to 5 July (week 27).
This followed on from week-on-week declines of 7% and 2% in the prior two weeks and was “influenced by the end on 1 July of the EU’s ‘de minimis’ import duty exemption on goods valued below €150”, WorldACD said.
It pointed out that Hong Kong-Europe tonnages are now back at the level experienced at the end of March.
However, volumes from China to Europe appear to have stabilised in the week ending 5 July, after dropping 6% week on week in the prior week.
Asia Pacific to Europe tonnages overall were down 2% in week 27 and 4% the previous week.
Meanwhile, airlines have reflected the lower tonnage levels with capacity reductions.
Figures from Rotate show that in early July, direct freighter capacity was down by around 19% week on week, with Hong Kong the hardest hit origin.
As of 1 July, the EU introduced a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels imported from outside the EU, mainly through e-commerce.
This customs duty includes a wide range of products commonly bought online, such as clothing, toys, electronics, and other consumer goods.
The new duty will apply per item, based on tariff classification and not quantity.
However, it hasn’t all been bad news for demand levels to Europe, according to the data provider, as tonnages from Taiwan to Europe have been rising rapidly.
WorldACD’s figures show that in the past three weeks volumes have risen by around 20% over that period, “reflecting movements of AI-related computer equipment”.
“In comparison, Taiwan to the US tonnages fell by around 5% in that period, and Hong Kong to US tonnages have dropped by a total of around -7%, but nothing like the roughly -20% drop in Hong Kong to Europe traffic in the same period,” WorldACD said.
Overall cargo volumes dropped by 2% week on week in week 27 as a result of the Hong Kong-Europe declines and also the impact of the US Independence Day holiday on 4 July.
Source: https://www.aircargonews.net/data/2026/07/hong-kong-europe-air-cargo-volumes-plummet/
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