Alteration of trade patterns see air cargo demand grow for 7th straight month

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for September 2025 global air cargo markets showing total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 2.9 percent compared to September 2024 levels (+3.2 percent for international operations) as a result of alterations in trade patterns.

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.0 percent compared to September 2024 (+4.4 percent for international operations).

“Air cargo demand grew 2.9 percent year-on-year in September, marking the seventh consecutive month of overall growth. Buried in that growth is a significant alteration of trade patterns as US tariff policies, including the ending of de minimis exemptions, kick in.

“On one side of the equation, a decline in North America-Asia demand has set in over the last five months. But this has been more than compensated for with strong growth within Asia and on routes linking Asia to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While many had feared an unwinding of global trade, we are instead seeing air cargo adapting successfully to serve shifting market demands,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

The global goods trade grew by 3.7 percent year-on-year in August. Jet fuel prices rose 5.4 percent in September despite lower oil prices, driven by a tighter diesel market, which doubled the crack spread year-on-year.

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Global manufacturing sentiment strengthened in September, with the PMI rising for the second straight month to reach 51.3. New export orders improved slightly to 49.6 but remained below the 50-point expansion threshold, reflecting ongoing caution amid tariff uncertainty.

African airlines saw a 14.7 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 7.4 percent year-on-year.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 6.8 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in September. Capacity increased by 4.8 percent year-on-year.

North American carriers saw a 1.2 percent year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo in September. Capacity decreased by 1.5 percent year-on-year.

European carriers saw a 2.5 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September. Capacity increased 4.4 percent year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 0.6 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in September. Capacity increased by 5.5 percent year-on-year.

Latin American carriers saw a 2.2 percent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in September, the slowest growth of all regions. Capacity increased by 3.1 percent year-on-year.

Air freight volumes in September 2025 increased across most major trade corridors. Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted robust double-digit growth, while Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia also saw notable gains. In contrast, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe and Within Europe recorded declines.