Flat markets slightly above last year’s levels
Worldwide air cargo markets show a flat trend looking at the latest demand and pricing levels, slightly above those this time last year, according to the most recent weekly figures from WorldACD Market Data, amid a fast-evolving geopolitical and trade environment.
Based on the more than 500,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data, total worldwide tonnages in week 10 (3 to 9 March) were stable, compared with the previous week, and +2% higher year on year (YoY). Chargeable weight flown from Asia Pacific origins regained a further +5%, week on week (WoW), taking them back up close to their levels in mid-January, just before the peaks and troughs of the Lunar New Year (LNY) period. Those increases in tonnages from Asia Pacific origins were balanced out by falls in volumes from Central & South America (-9%, WoW), Europe (-3%), North America (-2%), Middle East & South Asia (MESA, -1%), and Africa (-1%).
Averaged across two weeks, combined tonnages for weeks 9 and 10 were up by around +4%, YoY, led by gains of +8% from Asia Pacific origins – although that is partially due to the different timings of LNY, which fell on 29 January this year compared with 10 February last year. Average worldwide rates, based on a mix of spot prices and contract rates, were +5% higher, YoY, in weeks 9 and 10, after edging upwards in week 10 by +1% to $2.33 per kilo.
Spot rates stable
Average worldwide spot rates in week 10 of US$2.55 per kilo were also stable, WoW, despite a -1% drop from Asia Pacific origins. But compared with week 10 last year, they are +8% higher, with Asia Pacific spot prices up +11%, YoY.
Examining Asia Pacific more closely reveals that average spot rates from China and Hong Kong, combined, to the USA remained stable, WoW, at $3.78 per kilo, as tonnages continued to build back in week 10 close to their level in mid to late January. Meanwhile, tonnages from Asia Pacific origins to Europe recorded a further +4% WoW rebound in week 10, thanks to significant increases from most of the region’s main markets, including China (+5%), Hong Kong (+6%), Japan (+7%), Taiwan (+7%), Vietnam (+3%), Thailand (+9%), and Singapore (+9%). Tonnages dropped sharply from South Korea (-11%) in week 10, consistent with reductions in freighter capacity from South Korea that week.
However, average spot prices from Asia Pacific to Europe in week 10 edged further downwards, WoW, to $3.91 per kilo (-3%), thanks to declines from China (-5%) Hong Kong (-2%), and Vietnam (-7%). But year on year, average spot rates from Asia Pacific to Europe remain significantly higher (+20%), thanks to increases from China (+14%), Hong Kong (+22%), Japan (+19%) and Thailand (+38%).
Dubai declines
Elsewhere, average spot prices from MESA to Europe held steady in week 10 at $2.42 per kilo, despite a -4% WoW drop in overall demand that may in part be linked to the start of Ramadan on 28 February. Tonnages from Dubai to Europe dropped by -15%, WoW, after declining -17% the previous week, leading to a -12% fall in spot prices in week 10 to $1.88 per kilo.
Source: https://www.worldacd.com/trend-reports/weekly/worldacd-weekly-air-cargo-trends-2025-week-10/
Full-month figures for February suggest a weakening China to the USA air cargo market compared with China to Europe, as shippers adjust to the fast-changing policies and statements...
In the first two months of 2025, a total of 35 new air cargo routes connecting China with various international markets were introduced. Among these, routes to Europe accounted...
The automotive logistics market is undergoing significant transformations, with resilient supply chains and sustainability emerging as fundamental components of this evolving...
The global trade landscape continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for resilience and growth. This month, we highlight the launch of the Gemini Cooperation...
The proposed removal of the de minimis exemption may lead to increased delivery times and price hikes of up to 50% for items that continue to be shipped via air.
Shifts in transport capacity have played a crucial role in shaping transatlantic air cargo rates, particularly against the backdrop of evolving global trade dynamics.
In today’s landscape of rising costs, operational complexities, and fluctuating market demands, supply chain professionals are increasingly turning to integrated logistics...
Air cargo tonnages from Asia Pacific origins have continued to rebound towards their pre-Lunar New Year levels, with rates edging back upwards and remaining above their level...
The global air cargo industry is undergoing profound changes driven by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. Conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East,...
ALS