Global Air Cargo Prices Rise Modestly While Asia Pacific Sees Widening Rate Deficits

Global Air Cargo Rates Inch Up Despite Challenging Market Conditions

Recent data reveals that worldwide air cargo rates nudged higher in late September, reflecting steady demand and somewhat stable capacity across key regions, even as disruptions persist in major European airports. But the headline here isn’t just the small gains—it’s the growing gap between this year’s current fares and last year’s rates, with the deficit widening notably in the Asia Pacific to USA freight corridors.

Minor Rate Increases Across Multiple Regions

Between September 15 and 21 (week 38), average rates climbed about 1% to roughly US$2.44 per kilo. The incremental rises were seen across Africa (+3%), Asia Pacific (+2%), North America (+2%), Europe (+1%), and the Middle East & South Asia (MESA, +1%). However, these gains mask deeper regional challenges—many key markets have rates trailing those from the previous year, signaling ongoing pressure on pricing power.

Asia Pacific to USA: Rates Dropping Despite Volume Growth

Spot rate averages out of Asia Pacifico hovered around US$3.65 per kilo, consistent with prior weeks but still down 11% from last year. This dip contrasts sharply with previous periods when booming e-commerce had driven rates north. A key culprit has been the new US trade policies, including tariffs and the removal of tariff exemptions for low-value goods—complicating cost structures for shipments and throttling the once-vibrant growth.

While average spot rates to the USA remained stable at about US$4.79 per kilo for week 38, they’re roughly 20% lower than the same time last year over a dataset exceeding half a million weekly transactions. Taiwan bucks the trend with rates rising 11% year-on-year to US$6.18 per kilo, powered by surging shipments of high-tech equipment.

Mixed Fortunes Among Asia Pacific Markets

Some markets such as South Korea (-3%) and China (-7%) show resilience, maintaining rates close to previous year levels. Conversely, Hong Kong (-11%), Japan (-29%), Vietnam (-23%), Thailand (-25%), Malaysia (-31%), and Singapore (-34%) have faced sharper declines. Paradoxically, shipment volumes have increased from several of these countries, including Taiwan (+51%), Vietnam (+44%), Thailand (+43%), Malaysia (+28%), and Singapore (+12%), reflecting shifting sourcing and supply strategies in US-Asian trade flows.

Shifts in Tonnage and Market Volatility

Week-on-week statistics reveal upticks in tonnage flowing to the USA from South Korea (+14%), Thailand (+10%), Singapore (+8%), and Hong Kong (+7%). Yet these gains come on the back of previous weeks’ declines, underscoring the ongoing market swings. Overall, volumes from Asia Pacific to the US edged up 2% WoW and 5% YoY.

In contrast, exports from Asia Pacific to Europe grew similarly on a yearly basis (+6% YoY), but with different country-level dynamics. China and Hong Kong increased shipments to Europe by 8% and 5%, respectively, complemented by notable volume gains from Taiwan (+26%) and Vietnam (+9%).

Price Trends from Asia Pacific to Europe

While spot rates to Europe remain down year-on-year, the declines are less severe than those to the US, with an average drop of 6%. Country-specific changes include Hong Kong (-7%), Japan (-11%), Vietnam (-21%), Thailand (-16%), Malaysia (-26%), and Singapore (-9%). Interestingly, recent improvements have been seen in rates from China (+3%), South Korea (+2%), and Taiwan (+5%).

Weather-Related Disruptions and Regional Effects

The severe impact of Typhoon Ragasa on East Asian air cargo operations, especially from south-eastern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines, cannot be overstated. The timing coincides with China’s Golden Week, a typically busy period, compounding challenges. Early reports indicate a spike in spot rates from China in the wake of these weather disruptions, foreshadowing tighter capacity and potentially higher freight costs in the coming weeks.

MESA Region and India: Recovery and Tariff Influence

Following weeks of decline prompted by elevated US import tariffs from India, shipments from the country to the USA jumped 12% week-on-week in week 38. This resurgence was part of a broader 16% weekly increase in traffic from the whole MESA region to the US, likely reflecting a post-holiday recovery after Mawlid. However, movement from MESA origins toward Europe has been milder, climbing by just 1% WoW.

The Big Picture: What This Means for Logistics

The air cargo landscape keeps showing a fascinating mix of resilience and pressure. Rate hikes are modest, capacity disruption remains real, and geopolitical or policy factors weigh heavily on specific trade lanes, especially between Asia Pacific and the USA. For logistics professionals, these developments translate into fluctuating freight costs, unpredictable spot rate environments, and the urgent need for agile supply chain management.

When it comes to planning reliable freight or cargo transport, such as for bulky or international shipments, understanding these market currents is key to optimizing shipping schedules and budgets. Platforms like GetTransport.com become valuable allies by offering competitive, transparent options tailored to various shipping needs, from parcel delivery to full-scale freight forwarding. Whether moving office equipment, coordinating pallet shipments, or arranging vehicle transport, having access to a global network at affordable rates is a game changer.

Check the Facts, But Trust Personal Experience

While industry data and expert reviews provide useful pointers, there’s nothing quite like firsthand experience to truly understand what works in real-life logistics. The dynamic nature of cargo rates, coupled with regional disruptions like weather events or trade policies, means decisions should be informed yet flexible. With GetTransport.com, customers can book their deliveries at globally competitive prices, minimize risks of unexpected fees, and enjoy a transparent booking process. The platform’s versatility in handling moves, courier services, bulky items, or container shipments means it caters to a broad spectrum of logistics needs. Book your cargo transportation with GetTransport.com oggi!

Wrapping Up: Navigating the Shifting Air Cargo Terrain

In summary, global air cargo rates have seen a slight upward trend recently, but significant year-over-year deficits persist, especially in the Asia Pacific to USA corridors where tariff policies and market shifts weigh heavy. Meanwhile, volume patterns reveal that some regions are compensating for others by ramping up shipments. Weather disturbances and regional holidays inject further volatility, reminding shippers and logistics providers to expect the unexpected.

For anyone involved in freight, shipping, or moving heavy or international goods, keeping a finger on these trends is essential. The role of reliable, flexible, and affordable logistics partners, such as GetTransport.com, is becoming increasingly critical in delivering seamless distributions and efficient transportation. By leveraging such platforms, businesses and individuals alike can simplify their haulage needs, reduce costs, and stay ahead in this ever-changing global logistics game.