Global Air Cargo Demand Climbs 5.5% in July: IATA

The Voice of Chandigarh 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 5.5% rise in global air cargo demand in July 2025, compared to the same month last year. International operations grew by 6.0%, while overall cargo capacity increased 3.9%.

Most trade lanes showed growth, with the exception of Asia–North America, where demand slipped 1.0% due to the expiry of US de minimis exemptions and uncertainty over tariffs. Still, the Europe–Asia route led the market with 13.5% growth, marking 29 consecutive months of expansion.

Favorable factors included a 9.1% year-on-year drop in jet fuel prices, though costs rose 4.3% from June. Meanwhile, global manufacturing showed signs of contraction, with the PMI at 49.66 and new export orders negative for the fourth consecutive month.

“IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh called the July results ‘a strong outcome,’ while cautioning that August figures will more clearly reveal the impact of changing US trade policies.”