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.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the geographic distribution of major global air cargo hubs and their critical role in international logistics. It covers key airports in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, along with a discussion on their future development potential.
In May 2025, international air cargo demand grew by 2.2% year-on-year, demonstrating the industry's resilience. Despite a contraction in global manufacturing and the impact of U.S. tariff policies on certain regions, the Asia-Pacific region experienced the fastest growth in cargo demand at 8.3%. Additionally, falling oil prices provided relief for the airlines.
The international air freight peak season runs from July to December each year, with a surge in demand and rising freight rates. Understanding the characteristics of the peak season and planning in advance is crucial for businesses to gain a competitive edge.
Small U.S. importers are struggling due to constantly changing tariff policies, forcing them to adjust procurement strategies or abandon markets. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in flexible supply chain management and risk assessment, enabling businesses to remain competitive in an uncertain trade environment.
FedEx has recently revised the calculation method for freight surcharges, rounding up the dimensions of any package starting from August 18. This change undoubtedly brings new challenges to B2C e-commerce shippers, testing their ability to gain a competitive advantage within a complex freight rate structure.
Unions are urging the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to ensure transparency during its review of the $85 billion acquisition proposal between Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and Norfolk Southern Railway (NS), in order to protect employee rights and promote fair development within the industry.
The trade agreement between the EU and the US will impose a 15% tariff on 70% of imported goods. While this eases trade friction, shipping companies are hoping for more specific details to ensure smooth execution and a stable supply chain.
CMA CGM has expressed its intention to acquire Hutchison Port Holdings to strengthen its global port network. Despite a slight decline in second-quarter revenue of $13.2 billion, its subsidiary Ceva performed relatively well, demonstrating the company's ability to achieve stable growth in the logistics sector.
This article explores the current application of artificial intelligence in the logistics industry and the challenges it faces. While AI promises to achieve more efficient supply chain connections, actual applications remain largely localized, making overall transformation a daunting task. Logistics companies must focus on infrastructure development and collaboration with partners while actively pursuing AI, especially considering varying levels of digital maturity and real-world constraints.
