Air cargo demand up in July

August will likely reveal more impact of shifting US trade policies. 
| Photo Credit:
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Global air cargo demand grew 5.5 per cent in July, a strong result. Most major trade lanes reported growth, with one significant exception: Asia–North America, where demand was down 1 per cent year-on-year, said International Air Transport Association, which represents some 350 airlines comprising over 80 per cent of global air traffic.

A sharp decline in e-commerce, as the US de minimis exemptions on small shipments expired, was likely offset by shippers frontloading goods in advance of rising tariffs for imports to the US. August will likely reveal more clearly the impact of shifting US trade policies.

While much attention is rightly being focused on developments in markets connected to the US, it is important to keep a broad perspective on the global network. “A fifth of air cargo travels on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which marked 29 months of consecutive expansion with 13.5 per cent year-on-year growth in July,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Published on September 8, 2025