Insights into Global Air Cargo Trends and Rate Movements in December 2025

Global Air Cargo Volume and Rate Overview

The latter half of December 2025 witnessed a noticeable dip in global air cargo volumes by approximately 2%, indicating a typical post-peak slowdown after the festive surge. Despite this slight drop, the average global freight rates perked up marginally to about $2.74 per kilogram, narrowing the difference compared to the same period last year to less than 1%. Such subtle shifts reflect a market that, while ebbing from its peak, shows resilience and steady demand.

December Performance Highlights

• Air cargo volumes decreased by 2% mid-December, signaling seasonal adjustment.
• Global average rates rose slightly, closing the year-on-year rate gap to under 1%.
• Asia-US and Asia-Europe routes exhibited robust activity, with volume surges of 5% and capacity expansions of 7%.
• Overall, 2025 air cargo demand held steady, mirroring the rate levels of 2024.

Throughout early December, air cargo tonnage had touched a peak approximately 5% above last year’s comparable levels. But by the second week, this figure slid down slightly. This dynamic reflects the expected seasonal flow where demand peaks before inventory build-up winds down ahead of the holiday season, easing the load on air freight channels.

Deeper Dive: Rate Changes and Volume Trends

Based on extensive transaction data exceeding 500,000 shipments weekly, total global air cargo tonnages experienced a 2% downturn in the week leading up to December 14. However, average global shipping rates experienced a modest 1% rise, bringing the cost to $2.74 per kilogram. This steady rate climb over recent months has significantly closed the previous year’s pricing gap—from a 5% deficit in September down to just 2% in December.

Year-End Outlook and Full-Year Review

Projections suggest a 5% year-on-year increase in air cargo tonnage for December, consistent with November’s growth. This push positions the total volume increase for 2025 at roughly 4% higher than in 2024. In contrast, overall annual freight rates for 2025 are expected to hover around the same level as last year, averaging near $2.47 per kilogram. The first four months of 2025 exhibited positive rate gains, but the latter half saw those rates slightly trailing the 2024 benchmarks.

Seasonality Effects on Spot Rates

As the holiday period approaches, there is the classic ‘calm after the storm’ pattern. Average spot rates worldwide began to drift downwards slightly in mid-December, coinciding with a slight fall in cargo volumes. While spot rates experienced a minor week-on-week drop of 1%, minor shifts in contract rates nudged the overall global rate average up slightly—a nuanced interplay often seen as seasonal demand settles.

Route-Specific Details: Asia-Pacific Markets

The key corridors stretching from Asia-Pacific to the US and Europe displayed a mixed bag of volume declines but price resiliency. For instance, Asia-Pacific to US cargo volumes dropped 4% week on week, largely influenced by an 8% reduction from China. However, despite this, spot rates kept climbing, led by sizeable increases from hubs like Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore, climbing 12%, 15%, and 15% respectively. This boosted the average spot rate on this route to $6.57 per kilogram, just 3% shy of last year’s level at the same time, marking the narrowest gap in over half a year.

Comparatively, the Asia-Pacific to Europe lane saw a 2% fall in tonnages week-on-week, primarily due to declines from China and Hong Kong. Yet, the year-on-year growth told a very different story, surging 11% overall, propelled by eye-catching gains of 27% from Taiwan, 15% from Hong Kong, and double-digit growth from Vietnam, Indonesia, and China itself—all painting a picture of expanding trade connections and sturdy demand.

Pricing on this route continued a gentle upward trend. Spot rates nudged 1% higher week-on-week, reaching $4.70 per kilogram—the eighth straight week of gains. Origins in China pushed rates up by 4% to $5.21 per kilogram, hitting this year’s record highs. Despite being 5% lower than last year’s equivalent, the gap is closing steadily.

Capacity Expansion and Regional Growth

The year-end air cargo capacity worldwide is set to finish approximately 7% higher than the previous year. Regional expansions are notable:

• Africa leads with growth around 18%
• Central and South America up by 12%
• Europe showing an 11% increase
• Middle East and South Asia growing by 8%
• Asia-Pacific with 7% expansion
• North America following with a moderate 3% rise

Reflections on a Volatile Year in Air Cargo

The past year has been far from a smooth ride. A volatile and sometimes turbulent climate gave way to a respectable 4% growth over the previous year’s already strong 11% surge. Freight rates held mostly steady with last year’s high levels, helped by a steady upside in spot pricing in recent months. As year-end festivities approach, cargo operators and logistics professionals alike prepare for somewhat quieter weeks.

Summing up the Latest Air Cargo Trends

To put it simply, 2025 demonstrated a blend of robust growth and typical seasonal fluctuations. Though some routes showed volume dips week-on-week, year-on-year comparisons highlight strong demand especially in Asia-Pacific corridors. Rates are gravitating closer to last year’s peaks, and capacity expansions underline the continued confidence in global air freight markets.

Viktiga slutsatser i korthet

• Global cargo volumes dipped slightly mid-December following peak season surge.
• Average global rates ticked upward, narrowing last year’s rate gap to below 1%.
• Asia to US and Asia to Europe routes exhibit healthy year-on-year volume gains despite short-term drops.
• Capacity is expanding globally, notably in Africa, Europe, and South America.
• The year overall saw 4% growth in cargo volume over 2024, with rates largely steady.

While data and reviews from market analysts offer useful snapshots, the true test lies in firsthand experience. The best way to appreciate these trends is to engage with reliable logistics and transport providers who can adapt to market shifts and ensure smooth shipment flow. With GetTransport.com, you can order cargo transportation globally at competitive prices, from office relocations to bulky freight, guaranteeing you don’t break the bank or end up with unexpected headaches. The platform’s transparency and extensive options provide convenience and peace of mind.

Though global air cargo trends might not shake the logistics world overnight, they’re essential for understanding market pulses and planning ahead. GetTransport.com stays in tune with such shifts, helping businesses and individuals keep their freight moving efficiently no matter the season. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Slutliga tankar

The latest data from December 2025 reveals how air cargo balances volume swings and rate shifts in a complex global market. Despite minor post-peak slowdowns, the year finished with strong growth, stable rates, and increased capacity across multiple regions. These trends underscore the resilience and adaptability of the air freight sector, critical for international logistics and timely deliveries.

Platforms like GetTransport.com provide essential support amid this dynamic market by offering reliable, affordable transportation solutions for diverse cargo needs—be it smaller parcels or bulky shipments requiring specialist handling. Their global reach and user-friendly service help simplify the intricacies of freight forwarding, making moving and shipping goods around the world less daunting and more cost-effective.