15 May 2025

Carriers Push Rates Sky-High as US–China Tariff Pause Triggers Booking Surge

Major container shipping lines are pushing for spot rates on shipments from China to the US West Coast that are more than double current levels, aiming to capitalize on a surge in demand sparked by a temporary easing of US tariffs on Chinese goods. Spot rates have already started rising following Monday’s announcement of a […]

Read More
12 May 2025

Trade War Hits the Brakes

Air cargo volumes and capacity are expected to rise in the coming days after the United States and China agreed to a 90-day partial suspension of their ongoing trade war. The dispute had driven tariffs between the two nations to more than 100%, with additional duties placed on e-commerce shipments. Following a weekend of negotiations, […]

Read More
11 Mar 2025

China-US Air Freight Rates Plunge as Trade Tensions Disrupt E-Commerce

Air freight rates from China to the US have plummeted since Lunar New Year, driven by the typical post-holiday slowdown and uncertainty over new US trade restrictions on low-value imports under the “de minimis” threshold. Though the sharp decline in spot prices has stabilized in March, average rates from Shanghai to the US were down […]

Read More
06 Mar 2025

E-Commerce Turbulence Hits Airfreight: February Data Reveals First Signs of Disruption

The effects of stricter e-commerce shipping regulations started to surface in February’s air cargo data, even as the overall market maintained its growth trajectory. According to new figures from data provider Xeneta, global air cargo demand rose by 4% year over year in February. The dynamic load factor remained steady at 59%, while the average […]

Read More
04 Dec 2024

Global Air Freight Soars: Peak Season Drives Rates and Demand to New Heights

The global air cargo market entered its peak shipping season this week, with demand surging past available capacity, pushing rates on key trade lanes to new highs for 2024. Asian export routes and the trans-Atlantic corridor are experiencing particularly sharp rate increases, reflecting strong demand and limited supply. Spot rates for Shanghai to North Europe […]

Read More
04 Nov 2024

High Imports and Low Blanks Extend Peak Season on Trans-Pacific Routes

The eastbound trans-Pacific trade is experiencing an unusually extended peak season, with steady demand for imports from Asia and fewer-than-expected blank sailings announced for November. Carriers are holding off on the typical reduction in services, seeking to maintain higher rates as import levels remain strong. Typically, import demand from Asia decreases as Black Friday approaches, […]

Read More
28 Oct 2024

Watch Out! Rejection Rates Rise Above 5% Just Before Peak Shipping Season!

As mid-October progresses, seasonal patterns indicating a dip in volume have become apparent, albeit slightly later than usual. This delay can be attributed to three disruptions earlier in the month that provided a temporary uptick in freight demand. Historically, mid-November marks the beginning of increased demand as we approach the holiday season, and this year […]

Read More