Airfreight volumes from Southeast Asia to the US in October rose at their fastest pace this year, as manufacturers continue to shift operations away from China.
According to the latest figures from WorldACD, despite US tariffs and the end of the de minimis exemption, air cargo tonnages from Asia Pacific to the US remain “significantly higher” than last year.
In week 46, overall demand from the region to the US increased by 6% year on year, with Taiwan and Southeast Asia leading the growth.
WorldACD’s analysis shows that demand from Southeast Asian origins to the US was up 40% year on year in October – the strongest full-month growth recorded so far in 2025. For the first ten months of the year, tonnages from Southeast Asia to the US averaged nearly 26% higher than in 2024.
However, other countries in the region saw weaker performance. In week 46, tonnages from China fell 2% year on year, Hong Kong dropped 16%, and South Korea declined 10%. Year-to-date, shipments from China and Hong Kong to the US are down by almost 6%.
WorldACD noted that these trends partly reflected US importers seeking alternative suppliers outside China. For countries such as Taiwan, the surge also reflects strong demand for high-performance semiconductor chips, including those used in artificial intelligence.
“Air imports from Taiwan have consistently risen by 30-50% this year, with comparable year-on-year gains from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, where semiconductors and other electronic components make up a substantial portion of air exports,” said WorldACD.
In week 46, airfreight volumes to the US from Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia increased by 41%, 60%, 37% and 62% respectively, compared with the same period last year.
Elsewhere, the data provider reported that rates for Asia Pacific services had continued to climb in recent weeks ahead of Black Friday and Thanksgiving in North America, although they remain below last year’s levels. Average spot rates from the region rose 4% week on week to $4.11 per kg in week 46, while overall rates from Asia Pacific to the US are down 11% compared with 2024.
