News #202636 - WorldACD: Air cargo volumes bounce back after Golden Week holiday

Figures from WorldACD show that air cargo volumes increased by 2% week on week in the seven days running to 18 October.

The increase was fuelled by a 9% week-on-week increase in exports from Asia Pacific, which the data provider described as in “sharp contrast” to declines elsewhere.

“The retreat was most pronounced out of North America (-5%), which can be partly attributed to national holidays in Canada (Thanksgiving) and US (Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day),” WorldACD said.

“Chargeable weight shrank 4% from Central and South America (CSA), also partly explained by 12 October national holiday celebrations, 3% out of the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) region, 2% out of Europe and 1% from Africa.”

WorldACD figures show that tonnages from Asia Pacific to the US were up 10% against a week earlier, while to Europe there was a 13% improvement.

Tonnages from Asia Pacific to the US increased from all Asia origins, other than Japan, led by Hong Kong, which was up 27% and China, which improved by 18%.

Meanwhile, compared with a year earlier, Asia Pacific-US volumes for the week are up 14%, which “reflects the ongoing strength of AI-related traffic crossing the Pacific”.

To Europe, South Korea led the way with a 34% week-on-week improvement, followed by China up 22%, Singapore 16% and Hong Kong 11%.

“Volumes out of Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia to Europe retreated,” WorldACD added.

However, compared with last year, Asia Pacific to Europe volumes are down 16% year on year.

“The decline was most pronounced out of Hong Kong (-32%), due to the European Union’s moves to curtail imports of e-commerce parcels,” WorldACD said.

“Volumes from China and Vietnam were 12% and 10% lower than a year ago, while South Korea (+14%) was the only origin showing a double-digit year-on-year increase in chargeable weight to Europe.”

Rates on the rise

Meanwhile, WorldACD figures show that airfreight rates were up week on week from all regions other than Africa in the week ending 18 October.

Rates rose 4% out of Asia Pacific, 3% from CSA, 2% from Middle East South Asia and 1% from both Europe and North America. From Africa, there was a 4% fall.

Looking towards the peak season, WorldACD commented: “The strength of AI-related flows has prompted predictions of a strong peak season ahead in the transpacific arena.

“From Asia Pacific to Europe, the outlook is more uncertain in view of the €2 handling fee that will be applied to non-EU e-commerce imports per 1 November, in addition to the flat €3 customs duty per item that has already been in effect since 1 July 2026 for low-value consignments up to €150.”

Source: https://www.aircargonews.net/data/2026/10/worldacd-air-cargo-volumes-bounce-back-after-golden-week-holiday/

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