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Front-loading ahead of U.S. tariff changes boosted April air cargo traffic
May 30th 2025
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) data for April 2025 global air cargo markets showed total demand, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometers (CTK), rose 5.8% compared with April 2024 and Cargo Tonne Kilometers (ACTK) increased 6.3% against 12 months ago. Read More » Asia-Pacific airlines delivered 10% year-on-year cargo demand growth in the month, falling behind Latin American carriers (10.1% expansion). Asia-Pacific capacity increased 9.4% year-on-year, IATA reported. The Europe-Asia lane experienced 11.3% growth in the 30 days, its 26th consecutive month of expansion. “Air cargo demand grew strongly in April, with volumes up 5.8% year-on-year, building on March’s solid performance. Seasonal demand for fashion and consumer goods, front-loading ahead of U.S. tariff changes and lower jet fuel prices combined to boost air cargo. With available capacity at record levels and yields improving, the outlook for air cargo is encouraging. While April brought good news, stresses in world trade are no secret. Shifts in trade policy, particularly in the U.S. are reshaping demand and export dynamics. Airlines will need to remain flexible as the situation develops in coming months,” IATA director general, Willie Walsh, said.
