Air Cargo Demand Surges in March 2025 | Key Drivers & Freight Outlook

Air Cargo Demand Soars in March 2025: What Drove the Surge and What’s Next

The global air cargo industry witnessed a significant surge in demand during March 2025, as shippers scrambled to move goods ahead of new tariff regulations. With rates skyrocketing and volumes increasing, the air freight market responded to geopolitical and economic signals that could shape logistics trends for the rest of the year.

📈 A Sharp Spike in Air Freight Volumes and Rates

March 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the air cargo sector. According to industry data, air freight rates from China to the United States rose by 37% to $4.14 per kilogram. Routes from Europe to the U.S. saw a more modest 7% increase. The driving force? Imminent U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, including a 10% duty that took effect on April 5 and additional levies pushing the total tariff burden on Chinese goods up to 34%.

Companies rushed to air freight solutions to beat the deadline, avoiding delays often associated with ocean shipping. Global freight forwarders like Expeditors International reported a 9% increase in air cargo tonnage and an 8% rise in ocean freight volumes in Q1 2025.

🚚 What Caused the Sudden Demand Surge?

Several key factors triggered this sharp rise in air cargo shipments:

Tariff Acceleration: Businesses anticipated cost hikes due to newly announced tariffs and accelerated shipping schedules to avoid penalties.
E-commerce Policy Changes: The rollback of the de minimis exemption affected Chinese retailers, pushing a surge in cross-border shipments.
Maritime Disruptions: Continued issues in ocean freight encouraged businesses to switch to air cargo logistics for reliability and speed.

🔮 Outlook: What’s Ahead for the Air Freight Industry?

With the tariff-driven urgency behind us, analysts expect a cooling off in air freight demand for the short term. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects a 5.8% growth in global air cargo demand for 2025, While this surge may be temporary, it’s a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of the air cargo industry amid geopolitical and policy uncertainty.