As production shifts to counter the impact of US tariffs, the diversification of consumer markets will create new growth opportunities for the air freight industry, observers say.

Robust international demand was led by the growth on the Asia-Europe trade that IATA attributes to a modal shift from ocean and evolving import rules from Washington that have diverted shipments from the trans-Pacific.

But the expansion of data processing power and storage to facilitate AI algorithms and cloud data will not be an explosive game changer in the manner of e-commerce, according to analysts.

But the expansion of data processing power and storage to facilitate AI algorithms and cloud data will not be an explosive game changer in the manner of e-commerce, according to analysts.

Smaller airports in Europe have positioned themselves as business-friendly entry points for cross-border e-commerce traffic that moves mostly on freighters, according to consultancy Trade and Transport Group.

The role of the Southeast Asian powerhouse in global trade is accelerating, fueled by geographic advantages, a skilled workforce and consistent inflows of foreign investment, says DHL Express.

Super typhoon Ragasa is the 19th named storm to hit the region this year, with container terminals shutting down and airlines preparing to ground flights from Tuesday night.

The Aug. 29 global removal of duty-free access for low-value US imports comes ahead of the end-of-year peak season for air freight.

Air cargo capacity deployed on Vietnam-US routes nearly doubled in August on a year- over-year basis.

Air cargo capacity deployed on Vietnam-US routes nearly doubled in August on a year over year basis.

With no clear definition of what duty and data processes are required by CBP after the Aug. 29 end to all de minimis exemptions, most import shipments via post to the US have been suspended until further notice.

Following a July volume surge as US importers built inventory ahead of the sweeping US tariff rollout on Aug. 7, freighter airlines must now right-size capacity to match new demand levels.

The German integrator was able to offset tariff-driven volatility in the second quarter through cost-cutting measures but is facing “more of the same” in Q3, according to its CFO.

Company executives pointed to the rollout of the Trump administration’s tariff policy in April as driving disruption throughout the second quarter.

While not yet reflected in freight rates, analysts and forwarders report growing space constraints out of Southeast Asian origins.

The 90-day pause in tariffs was long enough for US importers to advance most of their cargo shipments by ocean, according to analysts.

The negative foreign exchange effects were most noticeable in the forwarder’s US dollar-denominated ocean freight business where earnings fell sharply in the second quarter.

The tariff framework agreement between Washington and Hanoi, while still short on details, is expected to support Vietnam’s strong air cargo volume growth this year.

The long-term effects of US tariffs and the removal of the de minimis exemption has disrupted established air cargo flows and is clouding the industry outlook for the year.

From his hometown hub of Memphis, Fred Smith built FedEx from a $4 million inheritance to an $88 billion behemoth.