Air Cargo

Data Centre Imports Surge While E-Commerce Slumps on EU Levy

Air cargo demand has diverged significantly across key verticals in 2026. Data centre volumes into the US jumped 103% year-over-year through July, totaling 107,000 tonnes and equivalent to 1,000 freighter flights. Network equipment imports surged 130%, servers climbed 181%, and computer components rose 86%. Power infrastructure increased 37%. E-commerce shipments from China to the European Union contracted 29% in July following the €3 low-value import charge. France experienced steeper declines, dropping 64% in July after implementing its own charge in March. Overall air cargo volumes expanded 5.8% year-over-year through the first seven months, driven primarily by Asia-Pacific to North America routes up 24%. Asia-Pacific to Europe gained 4%, intra-Asia improved 8%, and Asia-Pacific to South America also rose 8%.