After the holiday break in China, Taiwan and South Korea, global air cargo traffic recorded a marked rebound in week 42 of 2025 (13–19 October). According to weekly data released by WorldAcd Market Data, total tonnage carried worldwide increased by 6% compared to the previous week, recovering from the 3% decline seen in week 41. The rebound, stronger than that recorded in the same period of 2024, was mainly supported by departures from Asia Pacific, which rose by 14% week-on-week and by 8% year-on-year. Excluding the Asian recovery, the overall increase would have been limited to just 1%.
Average global rates returned to pre-holiday levels, reaching USD 2.48 per kilo, up 3% week-on-week. The increase mainly reflected higher outbound rates from Asia Pacific (+2%) and a greater share of higher-yield cargo. The rate was slightly above the USD 2.45 recorded in the second half of September, but 4% lower than in the same period of 2024. Spot rates followed a similar pattern, climbing 2% week-on-week to USD 2.66 per kilo, while remaining 3% below last year’s level.
Regional analysis shows a particularly strong recovery in traffic from Asia Pacific to the United States (+17% in one week), led by China (+24%), Hong Kong (+22%), Taiwan (+24%) and especially South Korea (+96%), where activity had been slowed by the “Chuseok” and “Hangeul” holidays. Shipments from Asia to Europe increased by 14% week-on-week. For China and Hong Kong, volumes to the United States remain below 2024 levels, while exports to Europe have grown. According to WorldAcd, this shift reflects the redirection of part of e-commerce flows from China and Hong Kong towards European markets following the US decision to revoke “de minimis” exemptions on low-value imports.
On the pricing front, spot rates from Asia Pacific to the United States rose 7% in a week, with sharper increases for China (+19%), Japan (+16%), Taiwan (+7%) and South Korea (+6%), while rates to Europe remained stable. From China to the US, rates reached USD 4.90 per kilo, the highest level since mid-April. The increase is linked to reduced available capacity and the early dispatch of shipments by US importers in anticipation of new tariffs announced by Washington on 10 October on Chinese goods, in response to Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth exports.
Trade tensions between the United States and China have also contributed to strong volatility in the air cargo market between India and the US. After two weeks of declines, Indian exports to the United States rebounded by 13% in the week under review, also supported by the approach of Diwali (20–21 October), which traditionally brings congestion and higher volumes. Flows from India to the US were thus 2% higher than in the same period of 2024, while Indian exports to Europe rose 9% week-on-week and 11% year-on-year.
