Air Cargo

China's Trade Momentum Defies Expectations, Fuels Global Airfreight Demand

China continues to anchor global trade flows and air cargo activity despite widespread predictions of a slowdown, according to research tracking international commerce patterns. Trade volume from the country grew roughly double the forecast rate in 2025, with projections calling for even faster expansion this year. The surge reflects stronger import demand alongside robust exports, reversing earlier weakness in inbound shipments. China's export profile has undergone significant transformation, shifting toward electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, technology products, intermediate goods and capital equipment. This diversification has offset competitive losses in traditional sectors as China strengthened in new industries. Strengthened imports and an increasingly sophisticated export mix continue to generate substantial air cargo volumes from Chinese markets, reinforcing the nation's position as a critical node in global supply chains.