Home / Business and Economy / Airfreight Surge Amid Trade War Uncertainty: Shippers Race to Beat Deadlines
Airfreight Surge Amid Trade War Uncertainty: Shippers Race to Beat Deadlines
7 Aug
Summary
- Global air cargo volumes jumped 5% in July 2025 as shippers rushed to beat trade deadline
- China-Europe airfreight surged 90% as goods bound for US shifted to Europe
- Airfreight from Taiwan to US increased due to semiconductor tariff uncertainty
As of August 7th, 2025, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the US-China trade talks has fueled a surge in global airfreight traffic. According to data from Xeneta, worldwide air cargo volumes jumped 5% year-on-year in July 2025 as shippers rushed to get their goods into the US before the latest trade deadline of August 12th.
This need for speed has also impacted other trade routes. For instance, airfreight from China to Europe surged by a whopping 90% in July, driven by e-commerce, as Chinese businesses sought alternative markets for goods originally bound for the US. Meanwhile, airfreight from Taiwan to the US increased due to uncertainty around semiconductor tariffs, with spot rates from Taiwan to North America rising 9% year-on-year.
The global trade war has clearly shifted volumes of air freight across various trade lanes. While this "state of tariff flux" continues, air cargo is proving its value once again as shippers seek to respond quickly to the evolving situation. As Niall van de Wouw, chief airfreight officer of Xeneta, noted, "air cargo gives shippers the opportunity to respond quicker and that's what they're playing with."
