Capacity and rate challenges continue to affect Asia air freight

In China, air freight cargo volumes have softened.

Capacity constraints and rate volatility continue to influence Asia’s air freight market demand, according to C.H. Robinson.

Ongoing conflicts across the Middle East and Ukraine are still affecting airline cargo capacity between Asia and Europe whilst United State’s cargo charter demand from Asia is expected to increase.

These trends are resulting in airlines repositioning capacity to the region, prompting capacity shortages elsewhere, C.H. Robinson said.

In China, air freight cargo volumes have softened during its Golden Week (1 to 7 October), but are expected to rebound strongly. Any drop from Beijing will be offset by strong sustained demand from Southeast Asia. 

More air charters are expected from e-commerce and general cargo rate shippers from the latter half of October 2024.