Airforwarders warn industry is still adjusting after de-minimis ends
Air freight faces rising costs and compliance challenges as the industry adjusts to the post-de-minimis era.
H.E. Mousa Al Bargi, Deputy Minister for Logistics Services, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Professor John Kent, Supply Chain Management Department, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas; Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association; Martin Lee, Regional Sales Manager - Africa, Asia, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and ANZ, WiseTech Global.
Air freight networks are still adjusting to the end of de-minimis, with compliance tightening and costs rising, the Airforwarders Association (AfA) has warned. AfA Executive Director Brandon Fried told the FIATA World Congress that forwarders are facing higher duties, longer cycle times, and more complex returns management since de-minimis thresholds ended on 29 August.
“The industry has moved overnight from light-touch clearance to full formal entry,” Fried said. “We are seeing fewer parcels but larger, better-documented shipments. Fraud has dropped, but working-capital and compliance burdens have climbed sharply. Realignment is far from finished.”
Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
Fried urged forwarders to consolidate shipments wisely, invest in master data and tariff governance, and design returns solutions using Free Trade Zones or Inward Processing Relief schemes. He also stressed the importance of managing duty cash-flow early and maintaining visibility across purchase orders to navigate the post-de-minimis environment effectively.
Over 1,000 delegates from more than 100 countries attended the FIATA World Congress 2025 in Hanoi, which focused on the theme of ‘Green and Resilient Logistics’. The AfA continues to represent freight forwarders globally, advocating on issues that shape international logistics, trade policy, and supply chain resilience.
The AirCargo Conference, co-hosted by AfA, is scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida, in February 2026. The event will bring together airlines, airports, forwarders, and regulators to discuss the next phase of industry modernisation and collaboration.
