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Global Air Cargo Demand Grows 2.2% in May Amid Trade Challenges

Global Air Cargo Demand Grows 2.2% in May Amid Trade Challenges

James Miller, LocalsRide.com
από 
James Miller, LocalsRide.com
3 λεπτά ανάγνωσης
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Ιούλιος 07, 2025

Overview of May’s Air Cargo Demand

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released notable figures concerning the global air cargo markets for May 2025, indicating a modest yet significant uptick in demand. The reports demonstrate resilience in the air cargo sector, highlighting an important trend amid shifts in global trade dynamics.

Key Statistics

  • Total demand: Increased by 2.2% in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) compared to May 2024, with international operations growing by 3.0%.
  • Capacity: Expanded by 2.0% in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), with international operations seeing a growth of 2.6%.

Resilience Despite Trade Disruptions

The 2.2% growth in air cargo demand is considered a positive sign, particularly in light of the 10.7% drop in traffic documented on the Asia to North America trade route. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, remarked on the adaptability of the air cargo sector, which is navigating the complexities introduced by fluctuating trade policies.

Contributing Factors

Several factors warrant attention:

  • Industrial production: Year-on-year growth reached 2.6% in April 2025.
  • Air cargo volumes: Rose by 6.8%, outpacing global goods trade growth of 3.8%.
  • Jet fuel prices: Decreased by 18.8% year-on-year and 4.3% from the previous month in May 2025.
  • Global manufacturing: Contracted in May as signified by the purchasing managers’ index (PMI) falling to 49.1, signaling a slowdown in exports.

Regional Insights

Air cargo demand varied across regions, underscoring different growth rates:

Year-on-Year Growth by Region

Region Demand Growth (%) Capacity Change (%)
Africa 2.0 -2.1
Asia Pacific 8.3 5.7
Europe 1.6 1.5
Latin America 3.1 3.5
Middle East 3.6 4.2
North America -5.8 -3.2

Trends in Trade Lanes

The report also details significant shifts on trade lanes, highlighting the current landscape:

Trade Lane Year-on-Year Growth (%) Market Share (%)
Asia-North America -10.7 24.4
Europe-Asia +13.4 20.5
Middle East-Asia +10.8 7.3
Within Asia +9.1 7.0
Europe-North America +8.2 13.3
Africa-Asia -14.6 1.4

Conclusion and Future Implications

The insights gathered paint a mixed but hopeful picture for the air cargo market, indicating potential opportunities for improvement and growth. As travel and cargo trends continue to evolve, companies must adapt to maintain efficiency in services. For individuals seeking on-the-ground support during these changes, LocalsRide.com provides an exceptional platform for booking personalized transfers. Users can select specific vehicles, review details in advance, and enjoy unparalleled transparency—making informed decisions easier than ever.

In summary, despite the complexities illustrated by the latest reports, the air cargo sector remains resilient. Personal experiences often trump reviews and feedback, but on LocalsRide.com, you can book a car with a driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. The platform’s extensive choices, affordability, and transparency in pricing allow you to embark on your journeys confidently. For convenience and a wide range of options, consider booking your next ride with LocalsRide.com.