In week 46, airfreight rates climbed as Black Friday and Thanksgiving spurred heightened demand, particularly from Southeast Asia to the US and Europe. Average spot rates from the Asia Pacific region increased by 4% week-on-week, reaching USD 4.11 per kg, alongside a 1% uptick in tonnage from this key manufacturing hub.
Routes from Asia Pacific to the US saw rates hit USD 5.51 per kg, driven by recovering volumes and prices from Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. While average spot rates have dropped 11% year-on-year since April, demand remains robust, fueled by strong Chinese e-commerce exports and a growing reliance on Southeast Asian suppliers.
Notably, demand from Southeast Asia to the US surged 40% year-on-year in October, with an average growth of nearly 26% over the first ten months of 2025. Conversely, air tonnage from China and Hong Kong to the US declined by approximately 6% year-to-date.
This trend highlights a shift in supply chains, with increased focus on Taiwan and Vietnam, where demand for semiconductor chips and electronic components has seen significant growth.
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