The global air cargo industry is maintaining its resilience as demand rose 4.1% in August 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
According to the report, the growth marks the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year expansion, underscoring the sector’s crucial role in global supply chains at a time of shifting trade flows and tariff uncertainties.
Strong Growth Despite Trade Volatility
Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), increased 4.1%, while international operations performed even stronger at 5.1% growth. Available cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), also expanded by 3.7%, providing support for sustained market growth.
IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, emphasized the adaptability of the air cargo industry as a key driver of resilience.
“Air cargo demand grew 4.1% in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change. Shippers are shifting some high-value goods from sea to air to reduce risks from tariff changes. Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia routes are driving growth, while North America is showing weakness. This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy,” Walsh said.
Economic Conditions Supporting Cargo Growth
August’s performance was buoyed by several supportive global trends:
- Global goods trade rose 5.4% in July, fueling demand for cargo transport.
- Jet fuel prices were 6.4% lower year-on-year, marking the 14th straight month of declines, easing operational costs.
- Manufacturing optimism rebounded, with the PMI climbing to 51.75, the highest since June 2024. However, new export orders remained subdued at 48.73, reflecting ongoing caution around tariffs.
Regional Performance Snapshot
The global performance varied widely across regions:
- Africa: Posted the strongest growth at 11.0%, supported by robust Africa–Asia trade. Capacity surged by 12.3%.
- Asia-Pacific: Grew 9.8%, with intra-Asia and Europe-linked trade driving demand. Capacity rose 6.9%.
- Europe: Recorded a moderate 3.2% increase in demand, with capacity growing 4.2%.
- Middle East: Up 2.7%, though capacity grew faster at 4.3%.
- Latin America & Caribbean: Demand rose 2.1%, while capacity jumped 5.0%.
- North America: The only region to decline, with demand falling 2.1% and capacity slipping 1.0%.
Trade Lane Winners and Losers
Growth was concentrated along key international trade corridors:
- Europe–Asia: +13.0%, extending an impressive 30-month growth streak.
- Within Asia: +12.4%, sustaining 22 months of uninterrupted expansion.
- Middle East–Asia: +7.8%, marking the sixth straight month of gains.
- North America–Europe: +7.8%, continuing 19 months of growth.
- Africa–Asia: +8.4%, reflecting Africa’s rising role in global trade flows.
By contrast, Asia–North America (-2.2%), Middle East–Europe (-0.8%), and Within Europe (-0.9%) posted declines, highlighting the challenges faced by routes traditionally linked to North American markets.
Outlook: Resilience Amid Uncertainty
The steady growth of global air cargo highlights its adaptability and importance in supporting international trade. With tariff disputes and geopolitical uncertainties continuing to reshape global supply chains, analysts believe that air freight’s speed and flexibility will keep it central to the movement of high-value goods.
IATA’s latest figures show that while North America is losing ground, Asia, Africa, and Europe are consolidating their roles as the engines of global air cargo growth.
IATA reports global air cargo demand up 4.1% in August 2025, marking six months of growth. Africa led with 11% demand surge, while trade flows shifted toward Europe–Asia, Within Asia, and Africa–Asia corridors.
