Asia-Europe Airfreight Rates Rise Despite Weaker E-commerce Demand

Airfreight rates from Asia Pacific to Europe increased 1% week on week in the week ending 9 August, according to WorldACD. Rates from China and Hong Kong rose 6% and 3%, respectively, offsetting declines from South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan. The increases came despite weaker e-commerce demand following the EU’s introduction of a EUR3 charge on packages valued below EUR150. China-Europe e-commerce volumes fell 8% year on year, while Hong Kong-Europe volumes dropped 29%.

Typhoon Dolphin also disrupted operations, causing more than 1,000 flight cancellations in Shanghai. Capacity shifts appear to have supported Europe-bound pricing despite weaker regional demand.