Airforwarders Association says members keep cargo moving amid tariffs

Forwarders are keeping global trade moving as new tariffs, regulatory changes, and supply chain insecurity challenge shippers, Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association (AfA), told members of the Los Angeles Air Cargo Association.

Fried said AfA members are helping customers adapt to shifting trade flows and higher costs by offering practical solutions. He noted that disruptions from cyber risks such as the CrowdStrike outage, extreme weather events, and geopolitical tensions in Ukraine, the Red Sea, and the Taiwan Strait continue to pressure supply chains.

He also highlighted infrastructure challenges, including ageing airport warehouses, truck congestion, and outdated facilities, and called for federal investment in cargo infrastructure. “Forwarders are the stabilising force when disruption hits,” said Fried. Shocks in 2024 tested us, and we adapted accordingly. We are ready to protect shippers and keep goods moving through whatever comes next.”

Despite the headwinds, Fried said AfA members are finding opportunities in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, defence logistics, and nearshoring, with flows shifting from China toward Southeast Asia and Mexico.

David Gibson, President of the Los Angeles Air Cargo Association, said, “Los Angeles is at the centre of global trade, and our community depends on forwarders to keep supply chains resilient. As tariffs shift and regulations tighten, AfA members are proving that they are not just adapting; they are leading. Their ability to find solutions in the face of uncertainty is what keeps cargo moving through LAX and beyond.”

Fried added that forwarders are applying technology beyond hype, with artificial intelligence already being used in pricing, customs automation, and fraud detection, while automation and paperless processes are improving efficiency. He also said sustainability remains a critical challenge as demand for greener supply chains is outpacing the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

“Policy shifts and regulation will continue, but forwarders are the partners who bring resilience, compliance, and solutions,” Fried said. “Our members are essential to maintaining confidence in global trade.”