As the air cargo market moved out of 2025 and into 2026, demand and pricing on key east-west lanes remained resilient, driven by end-of-year shipment surges and strong export activity across Asia Pacific origins.
This dynamic has supported rates on critical trade lanes to both Europe and the United States, even as broader global volumes and post-peak adjustments moderate some trends.
Average spot rates on core Asia-Europe and transpacific routes climbed during December as the traditional peak season ramped up, with spot pricing from hubs like Hong Kong notably elevated compared with earlier in the year. These peaks reflect tighter capacity and demand for timely shipments during the holiday season, even though average global rates remain below the exceptionally high levels seen in 2024.
Industry data from the first weeks of December also showed a modest rise in overall spot rates, as carriers managed capacity against strong seasonal demand. This uptick was most pronounced on Asia Pacific-origin lanes, underscoring persistent capacity pressure through the peak period.
Volume Trends from Asia Pacific
Cargo volumes in November posted continued strength, with Asia Pacific carriers reporting solid year-on-year growth. Export activity remained robust as manufacturers and distributors moved goods ahead of year-end deadlines, supporting international tonnage gains across major hubs.
This volume growth is consistent with broader market data showing ongoing resilience in air cargo demand even after the peak season, although overall industry growth rates have moderated compared with earlier in the year.
Transpacific & Europe Lanes
On routes from Asia to the US and Europe, the market continues to balance strong demand with capacity adjustments. Peak season pressures kept rates elevated on popular lanes, while post-peak demand is gradually normalising. Factors such as supply chain adjustments, trade policy shifts, and evolving manufacturing patterns across Southeast Asian economies are influencing lane-by-lane activity levels.
Growth on Asia-US traffic has remained notable in recent months, with some routes showing stronger momentum than others, reflecting diversified sourcing strategies and shifts in regional production footprints.
What Shippers Should Watch
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- Capacity & Pricing Volatility: Although peak season has passed, residual tightness on Asia-linked lanes may persist into early Q1. Forward planning and early booking remain prudent to secure competitive capacity and rates.
- Trade-Lane Specific Trends: Europe bound traffic shows sustained interest, particularly for high-priority goods, while transpacific dynamics may continue to reflect policy impacts and shifting sourcing strategies.
- Post-Peak Adjustment: Markets are in transition from peak demand patterns. Carriers may re-adjust capacity allocations and pricing structures, affecting availability and spot rates in early 2026.
As air freight markets remain firm on key Asia–Europe and transpacific lanes, early planning and active capacity management will be critical in the weeks ahead. Global Forwarding is working closely with airline carrier partners across Asia, Europe and the US to secure space, manage rate exposure and identify the most reliable routing options.
Contact us now to review upcoming shipments, secure capacity for Q1, and ensure your air freight supply chain remains resilient as market conditions evolve.
