The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its global air cargo data for August 2025. The monthly report shows that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), was up 4.1 percent from the total seen in August of last year. At the same time, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.7 percent compared to August 2024. IATA director-general Willie Walsh indicated that these results represent a sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
According to Walsh: “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. Growth patterns indicate that some volumes are being diverted away from North America, which is fueling stronger growth in the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes. This adaptability is vital for shippers navigating the evolving landscape of US tariff policy.”
Factors Considered in the August Report
- The global goods trade grew by 5.4 percent year-on-year in July;
- Jet fuel prices in August were 6.4 percent lower year-on-year, marking the fourteenth consecutive month of declines;
- Global manufacturing in August showed rising optimism with a rebound to 51.75, the strongest reading since June 2024;
- Sentiment on new export orders remains below 50 at 48.73, indicating persistent caution amid tariff uncertainties.
Regional Performance in August 2025 Asia-Pacific airlines saw a significant 9.8 percent year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in August, while capacity increased by 6.9 percent year-on-year. Conversely, North American carriers reported a 2.1 percent decrease in air cargo growth, the slowest among all regions; capacity declined by one percent year-on-year. European carriers, on the other hand, experienced a 3.2 percent year-on-year increase in demand, paired with a 4.2 percent growth in capacity. Middle Eastern carriers recorded a 2.7 percent increase, while Latin Americans noted a 2.1 percent rise in demand.
In contrast, African airlines demonstrated the strongest rise, with an 11 percent increase in demand and a 12.3 percent rise in capacity.
Trade Lane Updates for August Freight volumes in August 2025 increased significantly across several major trade corridors. The Europe–Asia and Within Asia routes exhibited robust double-digit growth, while the Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia trade lanes also noted substantial gains. Conversely, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe, and Within Europe recorded declines.
