The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that global air cargo demand experienced a 4.4% increase in March 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year, marking a historic peak for this period. This surge in demand equated to an expansion in available cargo capacity of 4.3%.
“March cargo volumes were strong, with potential influence from businesses eager to navigate upcoming tariff changes set for April 2, 2025,” stated Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. (Translated: “March cargo volumes were strong, and businesses may have accelerated demand to evade anticipated tariffs.”)
Key Highlights
- Asia-Pacific airlines recorded the highest growth in air cargo demand at 9.6%, with a corresponding 11.3% increase in capacity.
- North American carriers also saw 9.5% growth in air cargo demand.
- In contrast, African airlines faced a 13.4% decline in demand, marking the lowest performance among regions.
Market Performance Table
| Region | Year-on-Year Growth | Capacity Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Asia Pacific | 9.3% | 11.3% |
| North America | 9.5% | 6.1% |
| Europe | 4.5% | 2.0% |
| Latin America | 5.8% | 4.7% |
| Middle East | -3.2% | 0.8% |
| Africa | -13.4% | 10.5% |
The expansion in capacity and a favorable environment suggest a positive outlook for the air cargo sector, especially as fuel prices have decreased significantly.
