Despite the implementation of elevated import tariffs, U.S. air cargo imports experienced a notable year-on-year increase in April and May 2025, driven largely by strategic frontloading and shifting sourcing strategies.
According to recent data from consultancy Aevean, total U.S. airfreight import volumes rose by 8% year-on-year, equating to an additional 67,000 metric tonnes across the two-month period. This surge comes as many companies expedited shipments in anticipation of tariff enforcement.
Decline in Chinese Volumes Offset by Emerging Trade Partners
Although overall imports rose, the data revealed a sharp decline in volumes from China, which fell by 20% year-on-year, or 35,000 tonnes. The steep reduction was especially apparent in the laptop and electronics segments, traditionally strongholds for Chinese exports.
This decline corresponds with the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, which reached levels of up to 145%, with a baseline rate of 30%. Compounding the impact, the termination of China’s eligibility for the U.S. de minimis exemption—which had allowed low-value e-commerce shipments to enter duty-free—further curtailed volume.
Vietnam and Taiwan Emerge as Key Beneficiaries
The vacuum created by China’s declining share was rapidly filled by alternative Asian exporters:
European Markets Also Contribute to U.S. Import Growth
Beyond Asia, European exporters—most notably Italy and France—also experienced significant gains. Collectively, they contributed an additional 25,000 tonnes of airfreight to the U.S. during April and May. Key product categories included footwear, luxury handbags, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting strong demand for high-value, time-sensitive goods.
Expert Commentary: Frontloading and Diversification Drive Growth
In a LinkedIn post, Maarten Wormer, Head of Consulting at Aevean, summarized the development as:
“A story of frontloading and trade shifts of laptops, electronics, handbags, fish, and more.”
Wormer noted that the strategic response to tariff announcements and regulatory changes had led to a redistribution of global trade flows, particularly among technology and luxury goods segments.
E-commerce Impact: China’s De Minimis Loss Triggers 43% Volume Drop
The removal of the de minimis exemption for Chinese-origin e-commerce shipments in May 2025 led to a 43% drop in e-commerce airfreight volumes from China to the U.S., with much of the displaced volume shifting to alternative sources such as Vietnam, India, and Taiwan.
India, for instance, experienced a boost in smartphone shipments to the U.S.
Vietnam further benefited through increased laptop exports, reflecting ongoing diversification of global consumer electronics supply chains.
Conclusion
The April–May data paints a clear picture of frontloaded demand, strategic sourcing realignments, and the repercussions of evolving U.S. trade policy. As tariff frameworks evolve and exemptions narrow, shippers are rapidly diversifying origin markets to maintain service levels and mitigate cost volatility. This trend is likely to shape global airfreight flows throughout the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
Source: https://www.aircargonews.net/supply-chains/us-air-cargo-imports-on-the-rise-in-april-and-may-despite-tariffs/1080372.article
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