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Asia-Pacific Airfreight Surge Drives Global Rates Above Prior Peak Seasons

Global airfreight rates have climbed above the highs recorded during the previous two peak seasons as jet fuel prices more than doubled year-over-year, up 113 percent, according to IATA data. The latest Baltic Air Freight Index and World ACD figures show rates rising between 4 and 4.7 percent over a two-week period, representing a 26 percent increase compared with the same timeframe in 2025. Asia-Pacific is leading market performance, with exports to the U.S. climbing 10 percent week-over-week. Europe-bound volumes jumped 13 percent. Hong Kong-to-U.S. and mainland China-to-U.S. routes saw gains of 27 percent and 18 percent respectively. Annual figures are equally robust, with Asia-Pacific volumes to the U.S. running 14 percent higher than last year, pushing rates on the trade up 41 percent year-over-year. Geopolitical disruption across Europe and the Middle East is reinforcing rate floors, with carriers resisting downward pressure despite volume demand.