Global air cargo rates ease after peak season, Freightos data shows
Prices fell sharply on China–US, China–Europe and transatlantic lanes
Global air cargo rates weakened after the peak season, with prices falling sharply across major trade lanes, according to the latest Freightos Air Index.
China–North America air freight rates dropped 16% week on week to about $6.26 per kg, marking the lowest level since early November. China–North Europe prices also declined, falling 5% to $3.52 per kg. On transatlantic routes, North Europe–North America rates decreased 14% to $2.16 per kg.
The data shows a broader post-peak correction in air cargo markets. Freightos noted that South East Asia–US rates fell 19% to $4.60 per kg, while South East Asia–Europe prices dropped by more than 20% to $3.12 per kg. The decline reflects easing demand after the traditional year-end rush.
Despite the current softening in rates, longer-term air cargo demand is expected to remain resilient. IATA estimates that global air cargo volumes grew 11% in 2024, driven largely by e-commerce. For 2025, the industry body forecasts volume growth of 3.1% compared with the previous year.
IATA also expects this resilience to continue into 2026, projecting annual air cargo growth of 2.6%. However, differing views on whether cargo capacity growth will outpace volume growth next year mean that air freight rate projections for 2026 remain uncertain.
