IATA: global air cargo demand up 4.1 percent in August

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched its global air cargo information for August 2025.

The month-to-month report reveals that whole demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), was up 4.1 percent from the entire seen in August of final 12 months.

At the identical time, capability, measured in obtainable cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), elevated by 3.7 percent in comparison with August 2024.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh mentioned that the outcomes present a sixth consecutive month of year-on-year progress. 

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.  And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fueling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes. This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy.”

Factors considered in the August report

• The global items commerce grew by 5.4 percent year-on-year in July;
• Jet gasoline costs in August had been 6.4 percent decrease year-on-year, marking the fourteenth consecutive month of year-on-year declines;
• Global manufacturing in August confirmed rising optimism in manufacturing PMI, with a rebound to 51.75, the strongest studying since June 2024;
• Sentiment on new export orders, nevertheless, stays beneath 50 at 48.73, reflecting persistent warning amid tariff uncertainty.

Regional efficiency in August 2025

Asia-Pacific airways noticed a 9.8 percent year-on-year progress in air cargo demand in August, whereas capability elevated by 6.9 percent year-on-year.

However, North American carriers noticed a 2.1 percent year-on-year lower in progress for air cargo in August, the slowest progress of all areas; capability subsequently decreased by one percent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, European carriers noticed a 3.2 percent year-on-year improve in demand for air cargo in August, whereas capability elevated 4.2 percent year-on-year.

Middle Eastern carriers additionally noticed a 2.7 percent year-on-year improve in demand for air cargo in August., and capability elevated by 4.3 percent year-on-year.

Latin American carriers likewise noticed a 2.1 percent year-on-year improve in demand for air cargo in August, whereas capability elevated by 5 percent year-on-year.

African airways noticed an 11 percent year-on-year improve in demand for air cargo in August, the strongest rise of all areas; capability in the area was up 12.3 percent.

How the commerce lanes fared in August

It must also be famous that freight volumes in August 2025 elevated considerably throughout most main commerce corridors. 

Europe–Asia and Within Asia posted sturdy double-digit progress, whereas Middle East–Asia, North America-Europe, and Africa-Asia additionally noticed notable positive factors. 

In distinction, Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe and Within Europe recorded declines.