air-cargo

Asia-Pacific air cargo shipments to Europe sink 15% annually

Air cargo volumes moving from Asia Pacific to Europe have declined sharply, with week-on-week shipments falling 10% and year-on-year traffic down 15%, according to market data from the week ending July 12.

Hong Kong, a major e-commerce export hub, experienced the steepest declines with volumes dropping 23% year-on-year after four consecutive weeks of deterioration. Chinese shipments fell 15% year-on-year and 13% week-on-week.

Taiwan-Europe corridors were particularly hard hit, sliding 24% week-on-week.

The downturn stems from the European Union's elimination of de minimis tariff exemptions effective July 1, along with the introduction of a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels under €150. Member states approved the measure in December as an interim solution until the EU Customs Data Hub launches in 2028.

Weather also pressured volumes, with typhoon Bavi constraining capacity and chargeable weight from Taiwan and other East Asian regions.