Despite facing high tariffs and the termination of China's cargo exemption policy, global air cargo demand in May still grew by 2.2% year-on-year, with strong performance across several routes. IATA pointed out that the industry's resilience indicates an ability to continue adapting to the changing international trade environment.
In June 2025, cross-border freight volume experienced a slight year-on-year decline of 0.3%, primarily due to a 27.8% reduction in truckbed transportation. Although the total domestic equipment slightly decreased, international containers achieved a 1.0% annual growth. Overall, transportation increased by 4.3% in the first six months of 2025.
In the first three quarters of this year, the Qianhai Bay Free Trade Port in Shenzhen achieved a cross-border e-commerce clearance value of 430 million yuan, a staggering increase of 48.5 times year-on-year. This remarkable growth is attributed to innovative measures introduced by Shenzhen Customs, such as expedited clearance and integrated operations within the port area, which significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs for businesses. Moreover, the development of foreign trade enterprises was further promoted through internet platforms and dedicated services, enhancing the appeal of the free trade zone.
Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a divergence in the U.S. rail freight market for the week of August 8th. Traditional carload traffic plummeted 15.6% year-over-year, with only grain shipments showing growth. Conversely, intermodal container and trailer traffic increased by 1.9%. Year-to-date figures also indicate a smaller decline in intermodal volume compared to carload. This reflects the transformation of the U.S. economic structure, changing consumption patterns, and the influence of global trade. Railroad companies need to actively innovate and transform to adapt to the evolving market.
Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates mixed performance for U.S. rail freight for the week ending December 6th. Carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and grain. However, container traffic declined compared to the previous year, reflecting challenges in global trade. Cumulative data for the first 49 weeks of 2025 shows overall freight volume growth. However, caution is advised regarding the potential impact of future economic uncertainties on rail freight performance. The container decline warrants attention as a potential leading indicator.
US containerized freight imports decreased by 12% year-over-year in August, marking the 13th consecutive month of decline, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. This reflects weak consumer demand and ongoing supply chain adjustments. Consumer goods imports experienced significant drops, and the outlook for industrial goods demand is also bleak. Experts attribute this to continued destocking and weakness in typically non-seasonal sectors. The full-year outlook is stable rather than prosperous, requiring businesses to adapt their supply chains. The government should monitor consumer data and implement measures to stimulate domestic demand.
The latest report from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) indicates a slight increase of 0.6% in U.S. rail carloads for the week ending August 23rd. However, internal dynamics show a divergence, with intermodal traffic decreasing by 1.9% year-over-year. Overall, rail freight volume remains positive year-to-date. The report highlights the impact of consumer demand, supply chain adjustments, and energy transition on rail freight, reflecting the complex dynamics of the U.S. economy. This data provides insights into the current economic landscape and its influence on transportation patterns.
DAT's latest report indicates that while overall freight volumes declined in November, they showed growth within the month. Dry van and refrigerated freight volumes decreased year-over-year, while flatbed volumes increased. Freight rates continued to decline due to excess capacity. Experts predict spot rates may have bottomed out and are expected to rebound in Q1 of next year, with the market moving towards normalization. Freight companies need to pay attention to market dynamics and respond flexibly. The report highlights the need for adaptability in the current freight environment.
This article explores how Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms are reshaping global logistics chains under the rapid rise of Temu. In response to significant market demand, various e-commerce platforms are shifting towards a semi-managed model to enhance efficiency and meet customer needs. It also discusses how logistics service providers can improve their competitiveness and address challenges in this new landscape.
The 2025 government work report emphasizes the improvement of the cross-border delivery logistics system and the construction of overseas warehouses to promote stable foreign trade development. It aims to enhance logistics timeliness, cost control, and supply chain stability, while also supporting the internationalization of cross-border e-commerce and Chinese brands, ultimately driving the formation of new models in foreign trade.
