The International Air Transport Association released data for August 2025 global air cargo markets showing that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers, rose by 4.1 per cent compared to August 2024 levels, with international operations specifically rising by 5.1 percent, a result of changes in global trade patterns.

Capacity, which is measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers, also saw an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to August 2024, with international operations rising by 5.5 per cent.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, commented on the sustained growth: “Air cargo demand grew 4.1 per cent in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change. Air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high value goods as shippers try to minimize the risk of tariff changes.”

He noted a clear shift in market dynamics: “And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fueling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes. This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy,” he added.

Several factors supported this operational environment, including global goods trade, which grew by 5.4 per cent year-on-year in July.

Additionally, jet fuel prices in August were 6.4 per cent lower year-on-year, marking the fourteenth consecutive month of year-on-year declines.

Global manufacturing in August showed rising optimism in the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, with a rebound to 51.75, its strongest reading since June 2024.

Sentiment on new export orders, however, remains below 50 at 48.73, reflecting persistent caution amid tariff uncertainty.

Regionally, African airlines saw an 11.0 percent year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in August, marking the strongest rise of all regions, while capacity increased by 12.3 per cent year-on-year. Asia-Pacific airlines also saw a robust 9.8 per cent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand, with capacity increasing by 6.9 percent year-on-year.

In contrast, North American carriers saw a 2.1 percent year-on-year decrease in growth for air cargo, the slowest growth of all regions, with capacity decreasing by 1.0 percent year-on-year.

Other regions recorded moderate growth: European carriers saw a 3.2 percent year-on-year increase in demand (with capacity increasing 4.2 percent); Middle Eastern carriers saw a 2.7 percent year-on-year increase (with capacity increasing 4.3 percent); and Latin American carriers saw a 2.1 percent year-on-year increase (with capacity increasing by 5.0 percent).

Overall, air freight volumes in August 2025 increased significantly across most major trade corridors, as Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted robust double-digit growth, while Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia also saw notable gains. Conversely, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe and Within Europe recorded declines.