WORLDACD: GLOBAL AIR CARGO VOLUME IN 2025 EXPECTED TO GROW BY 4%

GLOBAL AIR CARGO MAINTAINS POSITIVE GROWTH MOMENTUM

Notably, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region continues to serve as the primary growth driver, recording a remarkable +9% YoY increase in tonnage.
By the end of October, global average cargo volumes had risen by +4%, while the APAC region achieved a +7% year-to-date (YtD) increase.

THE PARADOX: HIGHER VOLUMES BUT LOWER RATES

Despite solid volume growth, global average air freight rates in the first ten months of 2025 remained 5% lower year-on-year.
This downward trend began in May and has persisted even through the traditional peak season in October.

In October 2025, typically one of the busiest months for air cargo, total tonnage increased +8% month-on-month (MoM), driven by strong demand from North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
However, global average airfreight rates only rose slightly by +1% MoM, reaching USD 2.48 per kilogram, still 5% below the same month last year.

Even in the high-performing Asia-Pacific market, rates declined -6% YoY, reflecting intensified competition and capacity shifts among key global trade lanes.

THE REASON BEHIND THE GAP BETWEEN VOLUME AND RATES

According to WorldACD’s analysis, the main factor behind this imbalance is volatility on the Transpacific trade lane.
Recent changes in U.S. import tariffs and de minimis regulations have redirected significant e-commerce cargo volumes away from China to alternative global markets, reshaping global logistics flows.

As freighter capacity also shifted in response to these market changes, global average air freight rates declined, even though total tonnage continued to rise.
This reflects the ongoing supply–demand rebalancing across the air cargo industry, as the global market adjusts to new economic realities after the pandemic and policy shifts.

VIETNAM – A RISING STAR IN GLOBAL AIR LOGISTICS

While freight rates have fallen globally, Southeast Asia – especially Vietnam – is experiencing robust cargo growth.
WorldACD data from Week 44 showed that air cargo volume from Vietnam to the United States surged +32% YoY, ranking third in the region after Malaysia (+52%) and Singapore (+51%).

Traditional export powerhouses such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea recorded slight declines, while emerging markets like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia continue to expand rapidly.
This trend underscores Vietnam’s growing importance in global supply chains, particularly in electronics, consumer goods, and cross-border e-commerce.

DOLPHIN SEA AIR SERVICES CORP. – CONNECTING SEA AND SKY

As a leading international logistics provider in Vietnam, Dolphin Sea Air Services Corp. closely monitors global freight trends while proactively building end-to-end logistics solutions to support businesses worldwide.

Our core services include:

• Flexible air and ocean freight solutions tailored to each trade lane.

• Comprehensive customs consulting to optimize clearance time and cost efficiency.

• Integrated logistics solutions covering warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management.

With the vision “From Sea to Sky – Connecting Without Limits,” Dolphin Sea Air is committed to accompanying Vietnamese businesses on their journey toward sustainable export growth and global competitiveness.

DOLPHIN SEA AIR SERVICES CORP.
Hotline: 1900 986 813
Email: info@dolphinseaair.com
Fanpage: Dolphin Sea Air Services Corp.

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