Airfreight rates across global markets are maintaining stability, largely due to strategic capacity management by carriers.
However, industry data by the likes of Freightos shows a downward trend projection in overall demand.
This raises concerns about potential price drops in the coming months.
Despite the broader market's cautious outlook, the China-to-US trade lane has emerged as a notable exception.
The Freightos Air Index reports an impressive 11% rebound in rates on this route, with prices reaching $5.16 per kilogram.
This surge is attributed to strong e-commerce demand and restocking activities, setting the lane apart from others, where rates remain either stable or are declining due to shifting demand and excess capacity.
Various airfreight tracking platforms have noticed that carriers are deploying various strategies to control and prevent rates from declining further.
However, with demand continuing to weaken in key markets, the airfreight sector could face pricing pressures unless capacity adjustments remain tightly managed.
The contrasting dynamics between the robust China-to-US route and softer conditions elsewhere highlight the uneven recovery in global airfreight markets.
Stakeholders are advised to monitor these trends closely as the industry navigates this period of uncertainty.
