The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 2.2% increase in total demand for air cargo in May 2025 compared to May 2024 levels, with a 2.6% increase in available cargo tonne-kilometers.

 

Factors contributing to this growth include a 2.6% increase in world industrial production in April 2025, a 6.8% growth in air cargo volumes, and lower jet fuel prices in May 2025.

 

Global manufacturing contracted in May, with the PMI falling to 49.1, below the 50 mark, and new export orders remaining negative due to recent US trade policy changes.

 

Asia-Pacific airlines experienced the strongest demand growth for air cargo in May, with a 5.7% increase in capacity.

 

North American carriers saw the slowest growth, with a -5.8% decrease in growth and a -3.2% decrease in capacity.

 

European carriers saw a 1.6% increase in demand growth and a 1.5% increase in capacity. Middle Eastern carriers saw a 3.6% increase in demand and a 4.2% increase in capacity.

 

Latin American carriers saw a 3.1% increase in demand growth and a 3.5% increase in capacity. African airlines experienced a 2.1% decrease in demand but a 2.7% increase in capacity.

 

“Air cargo demand globally grew 2.2% in May. That is encouraging news as a 10.7% drop in traffic on the Asia to North America trade lane illustrated the dampening effect of shifting US trade policies. Even as these policies evolve, already we can see the air cargo sector’s well-tested resilience helping shippers to accommodate supply chain needs to flexibly hold back, re-route or accelerate deliveries,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. -TradeArabia News Service