Global air cargo tonnage remained stable in the week ending May 25, according to a recent WorldACD report, showing no significant change from the previous week.

Despite the flat week-on-week figures, demand rose 6% compared with the same period last year, with the Asia-Pacific region seeing the largest absolute volume increase. Following strong growth in week 20, combined figures for the last two weeks showed a 7% increase over the previous two-week period, WorldACD data indicated.

 [Source: WorldACD]

Tonnages on the China-US lane recover

The analysis noted that in the turbulent geopolitical climate, all eyes are on what is happening from the air freight powerhouse China (including Hong Kong.

Most recent trends in the headhaul markets, China-US and Europe.

WorldACD said these show weekly demand trends for air cargo shipments from China to the US (left) and to Europe (right). The data include up to week 21, ending last Sunday, May 25.

For the last six-week period, the air cargo market data provider said air cargo exports from China to the US dropped by 14% compared with the same period in 2024.

After the large drop in weeks 18 and 19, chargeable weight in week 21 was almost back at the level in 2024, with a 5% difference.

Meanwhile, air cargo exports from China to Europe increased by 11% over the same time frame. Even though there was a modest week-on-week drop of -3% in week 21, we see that this market is increasingly showing higher volumes than in 2024.