Asia-Pacific rebound lifts global air cargo volumes 2%

Global air cargo volumes rose 2% week-on-week in the third week of October, driven by a strong rebound in exports from Asia-Pacific as factories resumed operations following the Golden Week holiday period. According to WorldACD Market Data, global chargeable weight increased 2% in the week of 12–18 October 2026, while average air cargo rates rose 4% in US dollar terms. Capacity also expanded 2%, supported by a recovery in freighter deployment following two consecutive weeks of reductions.

Asia-Pacific recorded a 9% week-on-week increase in chargeable weight, offsetting declines across all other origin regions. North America saw the steepest contraction at 5%, partly attributed to Thanksgiving in Canada and Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the US. Volumes also fell 4% in Central and South America, 3% in the Middle East and South Asia, 2% in Europe and 1% in Africa.

Despite the regional declines, global air cargo pricing increased across all origin regions except one, contributing to the overall 4% rise in rates.

Asia Pacific exports rebooted Air cargo tonnage from Asia-Pacific to Europe and the US increased 13% and 10% week on week, respectively. Shipments to the US rose from nearly all major Asian origins, with Hong Kong recording a 27% increase and China 18%. Japan was the exception, with volumes stabilising following its post-Silver Week recovery. To Europe, South Korea led the rebound with a 34% increase, followed by China at 22%, Singapore at 16% and Hong Kong at 11%. However, volumes from Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia to Europe declined.

This story was originally published by STAT Times. Read the full story at STAT Times →