Air cargo transport worldwide started the year with growth, being its 18th month with consecutive increases, however, the sector continues to be on edge due to the tariff policies of Donald Trump, President of the United States, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) .
“While external factors such as trade growth, declining fuel costs and expanding e-commerce remain positive for the air cargo industry, it is important to closely monitor evolving market conditions at this time, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the US Trump administration’s tariff policies. Fortunately, the air cargo industry has a wealth of experience in navigating changes in the operating environment,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of the agency.
During the month of January, global demand measured in cargo tonne kilometres transported (CTK) grew 3.2% year-on-year, 3.6% in international operations, thus registering 18 consecutive months of growth.
While capacity measured in available cargo tonne kilometres (ACTK) increased by 6.8% year-on-year (7.3% in international operations).
“January saw 18 consecutive months of growth in air cargo volumes, but this month’s year-over-year figure of 3.2% is a moderation from the double-digit highs seen in 2024. Similarly, yields, while still above last January levels, were down 9.9% from December as load factors fell by an average of 1.5 percentage points,” he said.
In this growth, it is worth highlighting that Latin American airlines experienced an 11.2% year-over-year increase in air cargo demand growth in January, the highest among regions. Capacity increased by 10.6% year-over-year.
IATA reported that most international routes experienced growth in the first month of 2025. “Airlines are benefiting from rising e-commerce demand in the United States and Europe amid ongoing capacity constraints in maritime transport.”
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