Air Freight Market Update
July 2026
What’s shaping Air Freight in 2026? Explore how various dynamics are impacting global Air Cargo.
Global Air Cargo Update
Demand
- Global air cargo demand grew 9% YoY in Jun 26, the strongest YoY increase of 2026, bringing H1 2026 growth to 5% YoY.
- China-origin e-commerce growth is flattening due to EU de-minimis changes, freeing main deck capacity for higher-yield industrial goods.
Capacity
- Global air cargo capacity remained flat YoY as of 20 Jul 26, with North America and transpacific growth offsetting declines in Europe, MEA and China.
- Asia–Europe capacity remains affected by regulation and Gulf airspace disruption; China–Europe freighter capacity fell 12% YoY, while MEA capacity stayed 4% below last year.
Regulation/ News
- The United States introduced a new tariff regime on 24 July 2026 with country-specific duties of 10% and 12.5% applied to imports from 60 trading partners.
- Cathay Pacific postponed the resumption of Dubai and Riyadh services while LATAM Airlines confirmed plans to expand its fleet to approximately 410 aircraft by the end of 2026.
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Regional Air Freight News
Europe
- Geopolitical developments continue to reshape air freight schedules and routings, extending transit times and increasing costs.
- Market conditions remained firm in Jun 26, with healthy demand and limited capacity flexibility supporting rates.
- Fuel surcharges stayed elevated as carriers maintained cost recovery measures despite some fuel market stabilization.
Asia
- Outbound demand grew by 12% year on year in June 2026 supported by semiconductor shipments AI hardware and industrial technology exports.
- Capacity growth lagged demand and tight market conditions persisted across major Asia trade lanes.
- Demand is expected to remain firm over the next 30 to 60 days while Europe volumes warrant monitoring due to EU de minimis changes and weaker China-Europe e-commerce flows.
Middle East and Africa
- Renewed geopolitical tensions weakened the positive momentum that followed the June 2026 ceasefire framework.
- Airlines continued to operate tactical routings and enhanced risk management procedures across the region.
- Regional demand remained resilient and was supported by time-critical cargo movements and modal shifts from disrupted ocean freight services.
Americas
- Capacity across Europe remained stable while key India and Australia lanes continued to face constraints.
- Mexico reported capacity constraints on selected Latin America destinations and Caracas airport operations were limited to humanitarian flights following an earthquake in Venezuela.
- Perishables demand drove strong export volumes from Guatemala El Salvador and Peru while several carriers adjusted or expanded regional cargo networks.
Detailed Air Freight Market Update
Discover the latest trends, key market developments, and expert analyses that can impact your logistics strategy.
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