US tariffs cut shipping volumes, AfA survey shows

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has released the results of a new member survey showing that 83 per cent of respondents experienced reduced shipping volumes from clients as a direct result of United States import tariffs.

The survey, published on Tuesday 10 February 2026 in Washington D.C., also found that more than half of respondents had to make changes to their clients’ supply chains and shipping routes because of tariffs. Nearly half reported higher operational costs and increased administrative workload.

Members further cited customs delays, airport congestion, reduced flight schedules, and inconsistent security and documentation processes as factors that have compounded the impact of tariffs on their day-to-day operations.

“Last year was defined by instability, with shifting trade policy, new tariffs, and changing security and compliance requirements, making it difficult for forwarders and their customers to plan with confidence,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association.

“These results underline the need for more stable, predictable policymaking to provide businesses with the confidence to invest, plan capacity, and make longer-term supply chain decisions,” he added.

The AfA said it will use the survey findings to inform its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with industry stakeholders.

Glyn Hughes, Director General of The International Air Cargo Association, said the survey reflects the reality created by current US trade policy. “As barriers go up, products and supply chains go elsewhere, it’s economics 101,” he said.

He added that the use of tariffs to punish countries that do not align with current US positions has caused pain and uncertainty, leading to a global focus on a “US plus one” strategy in consumption markets. He also said that ending de minimis exemptions from duties and tariffs has had a negative impact.

Hughes further noted that reshoring manufacturing would face challenges as US unit manufacturing costs are not competitive globally. He said that since the early 1990s, the global economy has grown strongly, with the US becoming the world’s leading economy and wealthiest nation, and more than one billion people lifted out of extreme poverty through outsourced production. He warned that this progress is now at risk.

The survey results come ahead of the annual AirCargo Conference hosted by the AfA, which brings together more than 1,000 freight forwarders, airlines, airports, regulators, and logistics providers from across the air cargo sector.