Airfreight demand and rates have stabilized after recent volatility caused by the Lunar New Year and tariff concerns. According to data from analyst WorldACD, global air cargo demand has remained unchanged week-over-week but is up 2% compared to the previous year.

In early March, the average worldwide airfreight rates for both spot and contract shipments reached $2.33 per kg, slightly rising from $2.31 the previous week and $2.23 last year

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be a significant driver of airfreight activity, with volumes increasing by 5% week-over-week, approaching levels seen in mid-January. “These increases in tonnage from Asia-Pacific origins were offset by week-over-week declines in volumes from Central and South America (-9%), Europe (-3%), North America (-2%), the Middle East and South Asia (MESA, -1%), and Africa (-1%),” noted WorldACD.

The analyst reported that spot rates in Week 10 are 8% higher than last year, though they remained unchanged from the previous week. Week-over-week, air cargo from Asia-Pacific to Europe rose 4% in week 10, driven by substantial upticks from key markets like China (5%), Hong Kong (6%), Japan (7%), and Thailand (9%). Despite this increased demand, spot rates from Asia-Pacific to Europe dipped by -3% but are still 20% higher than last year, buoyed by increases from China (14%), Hong Kong (22%), and Thailand (38%).

Source: Air Cargo News