“Air cargo demand grew 2.9 percent year-on-year in September, marking the seventh consecutive month of overall growth. Buried in that growth is a significant alteration to trade patterns as US tariff policies take effect, including the end of de minimis exemptions. On one side of the equation, the past five months have seen a decline in demand between North America and Asia. But this has been more than offset by strong growth within Asia and on routes that link Asia with Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While many feared “We are seeing air cargo successfully adapt to meet changing market demands,” he said. Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA.
In September, Asia-Pacific airlines saw 6.8 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in September. Capacity increased 4.8 percent year-on-year. North American carriers saw a 1.2 percent year-over-year decline in air cargo growth in September. Capacity decreased 1.5 percent year-on-year. European carriers saw a 2.5 percent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in September. Capacity increased 4.4 percent year-on-year. Middle East carriers saw a 0.6 percent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in September. Capacity increased 5.5 percent year-on-year. Latin American carriers saw a 2.2 percent year-on-year decline in air cargo demand in September, the slowest growth of all regions. Capacity increased 3.1 percent year-on-year. African airlines saw a 14.7 percent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in September, the strongest increase of all regions. Capacity increased 7.4 percent year-on-year.
Global air cargo demand increased 2.9 percent year-on-year in September 2025, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth, IATA reported. Asia-Pacific led with an increase of 6.8 percent, while Africa saw the largest increase at 14.7 percent. North America and Latin America recorded declines. Strong growth was seen on Asia-Europe, Africa-Asia and intra-Asia routes, offsetting weakness on North America-Asia.
Air cargo volumes in September 2025 increased in most major trade corridors. Europe-Asia and within Asia recorded strong double-digit growth, while Middle East-Asia, North America-Europe and Africa-Asia also posted notable gains. On the contrary, Asia-North America, the Middle East-Europe and within Europe recorded declines.
Fiber2Fashion (RR) News Desk
