air-cargo

EU E-Commerce Duty Triggers Sharp Pullback in Hong Kong-Europe Air Cargo

Air cargo volumes from Hong Kong to Europe plummeted 12% week-on-week in the period ending July 5. The collapse follows the European Union's elimination of its de minimis duty exemption on July 1, which introduced a €3 customs charge on low-value parcels from outside the bloc. Hong Kong-Europe tonnage now sits at levels last seen at the end of March, according to industry data. The tariff applies per item across a broad range of consumer goods including apparel, electronics, and toys. Airlines responded by reducing direct freighter capacity from Hong Kong by roughly 19% week-on-week. Broader Asia-Pacific to Europe volumes fell 2% in the same week. Taiwan emerged as a bright spot, with shipments to Europe rising approximately 20% over three weeks, while Hong Kong-to-US traffic declined 7%.