Global airfreight rates are currently exhibiting strong performance as the industry moves into its traditional peak season. Data from the TAC Index indicates a 0.9% increase in the global Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) over a seven-day period. This upward trend is particularly pronounced on Trans-Pacific lanes, where year-on-year gains have been significant. Concurrently, rates for air cargo between Asia and Europe are also experiencing a recovery.
This recovery in the Asia-Europe market follows the recent termination of the de minimis exemption within the European Union. The exemption previously allowed low-value shipments to enter the EU without customs duties or VAT, often leading to increased e-commerce volumes and potentially lower freight costs. Its removal is now contributing to a more structured and potentially higher-priced air cargo market on this trade lane.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this trend suggests a tightening of air cargo capacity and upward pressure on rates across major trade lanes. Shippers should anticipate higher costs for urgent or time-sensitive shipments during the upcoming peak season. Forwarders may need to secure capacity well in advance and consider alternative routing or service levels to manage client expectations and costs effectively.
