Global air cargo demand grew 5.5% in July 2025 compared to last year, driven by robust trade across most major routes, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.
Capacity also rose, marking continued expansion in international freight markets despite uneven regional trends.
IATA data showed total cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) climbed 5.5%, while available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK) increased 3.9% year-on-year. International operations fared slightly better, with demand up 6.0% and capacity up 4.5%.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, highlighted Asia–North America as the main exception, where demand fell 1.0% for the third consecutive month. He attributed the drop to declining e-commerce following the expiration of US small-shipment exemptions, partially offset by importers frontloading goods ahead of rising tariffs.
Europe–Asia trade lanes remained strong, posting 13.5% growth and marking 29 consecutive months of expansion. Middle Eastern carriers recorded a 2.6% increase in cargo demand and a 5.9% rise in capacity.
Market conditions were influenced by broader economic factors. Global goods trade rose 3.1% in June, jet fuel prices were down 9.1% year-on-year, and manufacturing activity contracted slightly in July, reflecting ongoing uncertainty around US trade policies.
Walsh emphasized the need to maintain a global perspective, noting that while attention often focuses on US-related markets, significant growth continues across other major trade corridors.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
