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Tariff tensions lift July air cargo demand
Chart: Iata
Air cargo demand rose 5.5% year-on-year in July, marking a sharp rebound from June’s 0.6% increase, according to Iata. The surge was driven by tariff-related uncertainty, prompting shippers to frontload goods and switch from ocean to air transport. International demand grew 6%, led by Asia-Pacific carriers with an 11% rise, while Africa followed with 9.4%. European airlines also rebounded, posting 4.1% growth after a decline in June.
Capacity, measured in ACTK, expanded 3.9%, with belly-hold space up 7.3% thanks to summer passenger demand. Load factor improved to 45.1%. Jet fuel prices fell 9.1% year-on-year but climbed 4.3% month-on-month, while freight rates softened 2%.
Among major routes, Asia–Europe and Africa–Asia saw double-digit growth, while Asia–North America volumes declined 1% for the third consecutive month. Despite regional variations, July data point to air cargo’s resilience amid tariff volatility. (ah)