November 2025 Sees a Bright Spark in Global Air Cargo Demand
November 2025 handed the global air cargo sector a welcome boost, with demand jumping by 5 percent year-on-year, surpassing earlier months and defying expectations for a slowing market. This upturn followed steady gains of 3 percent in September and 4 percent in October, painting a picture of a peak season that’s holding its own despite some headwinds.
However, the cloud on the horizon is the slower pace of growth in e-commerce, which has powered much of the cargo lift over the past couple of years. This slowdown is prompting cautious outlooks for 2026, signaling that while the present is robust, the road ahead might require some nimble maneuvering from logistics players.
Spot Rate Dynamics and Market Competition
Spot rates for air cargo saw a dip in November, dropping 5 percent year-over-year to about USD 2.73 per kilogram. This pressure on pricing is largely due to carriers leaning into aggressive market share battles rather than holding firm on prices, which is squeezing their yields. Interestingly though, rates ticked up 6 percent month-on-month in November, a softer rebound compared to 9 percent in the prior year.
Regional Variations in Cargo Lanes
| Region | Trend | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Asia | Stable spot rates with minor declines | Strategic shift of freighter capacity from transpacific to Asia–Europe routes |
| Southeast Asia | Double-digit rate drops | Regulatory challenges and increased supply outpacing demand |
| Europe–North America | 8% annual rate decline | Competitive pricing and first annual rate drop recorded |
| Backhaul lanes | Quiet with modest changes | Ample capacity and balanced supply-demand |
Northeast Asian routes showed resilience, thanks to clever reallocation of freighter capacity, notably from transpacific to Asia–Europe corridors, which helped smooth air cargo yields. In parallel, Southeast Asian lanes struggled with rate declines driven by surging supply that was chasing near 50 percent demand growth, alongside softer e-commerce flows due to regulatory shifts.
The Europe–North America corridor recorded the sharpest yearly rate drop at 8 percent, highlighting how competition remains fierce in traditional trade lanes. Backhaul routes, on the other hand, remained relatively steady, with capacity generally matching demand.
What’s Driving November’s Market Strength?
November’s sturdiness owes much to traditional shippers sticking to their usual annual shipping rhythms and the easing of uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade tariffs. Additionally, interim measures proposed by the EU for e-commerce handling fees in 2026 are not expected to significantly disrupt cargo demand. Still, any moves that slow down the supply chain or add hefty costs could have more serious effects.
Looking Forward: Cautious Optimism for 2026
Forecasting ahead, air cargo growth for 2026 is expected to be in the low single digits. Supply growth is predicted to outpace demand, which inevitably adds downward pressure on freight rates. This makes for a challenging environment where freight forwarders will likely look to claw market share from competitors, rather than counting purely on rate increases to boost revenue.
This competitive scramble inevitably benefits shippers, who can expect more options and potentially better rates, but it means air cargo service providers must innovate and optimize every step of their logistics chain.
How Shippers and Carriers Are Preparing
Shippers are increasingly relying on market insights to decode pricing trends, while airlines are cross-checking information to maintain transparency and fairness in dealings. The general consensus is a tempered but steady growth in demand, roughly 2 to 3 percent next year, which means the logistics ecosystem needs to stay sharp and nimble.
Implications for the Logistics Sector
The November data underscores a litmus test for logistics providers: the supply-demand dance is getting more complex, and the need for efficient, cost-effective transport solutions is paramount. Whether it’s handling bulky freight or managing last-mile dispatches, adapting to fluctuating rates and demand cycles is no small feat.
Platforms like GetTransport.com become particularly valuable in such an environment, offering comprehensive cargo transport options worldwide at competitive prices. Whether you’re moving office equipment, automotive parts, bulky furniture, or entire home relocation loads, the platform’s flexibility and affordability help maintain smooth logistics even as market conditions shift.
Summary of Key Points
- Global air cargo demand rose 5% in November 2025, continuing a strong seasonal peak despite e-commerce slowdown worries.
- Spot rates fell 5% year-on-year due to carriers prioritizing market share.
- Regional variation: Northeast Asia maintained relative stability, Southeast Asia faced rate declines, Europe–North America recorded notable drops.
- Projections for 2026 suggest low single-digit growth with supply outpacing demand.
- Market competitiveness is increasing pressure on rates, benefitting shippers but challenging carriers.
- Logistical agility and cost-effective transport services like GetTransport.com are crucial to navigate these tides.
While expert analysis and honest reviews provide valuable guidance, nothing beats firsthand experience when choosing how to handle your freight. With GetTransport.com, customers enjoy transparent pricing, extensive global options, and the convenience of managing diverse cargo shipments—from delicate parcels to bulky international loads—all at competitive rates. This empowers users to make smart, cost-saving choices without guesswork or unwanted surprises. Get the best offers at GetTransport.com.
Though the recent upswing in air cargo demand may not drastically reshape global logistics on its own, it signals the ongoing ebb and flow of supply chains adapting post-pandemic and in a changing economic landscape. GetTransport.com remains committed to staying ahead of these developments, ensuring clients can effortlessly plan and secure their shipments regardless of the market’s twists and turns. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.
In a nutshell, the air cargo industry dazzled with a stronger-than-expected end to 2025, buoyed by traditional demand cycles and strategic capacity shifts. Yet, the slowing e-commerce engine and rate softening caution against over-optimism for 2026. For logistics, the takeaway is clear: versatility and smart sourcing of transport routes and services are essential. Platforms that provide reliability across freight types and destinations, such as GetTransport.com, not only ease the burden of global shipping but also provide a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market. Whether organizing a household move, transporting large freight pallets, or coordinating international shipments, leveraging such platforms ensures your cargo is in good hands, with costs and timing optimized to your advantage.
Source link
