IATA: Global air cargo demand rises 5.5% in July, led by Asia-Pacific growth

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global air cargo demand rose 5.5% year-on-year in July 2025, with international demand up 6.0%. Capacity grew 3.9%, pushing the global cargo load factor up 0.7 points to 45.1%.

Regional performance

• Asia-Pacific led growth at +11.1%, marking 29 consecutive months of expansion on the Europe–Asia trade lane (+13.5%).
• Africa posted strong gains at +9.4%, despite nearly flat capacity.
• Europe rose +4.1%, in line with capacity increases.
• Latin America grew +2.4%, while Middle East carriers saw modest growth at +2.6% amid capacity expansion.
• North America lagged at +0.7%, with a third straight monthly decline on Asia–North America routes (-1.0%).

IATA cited weaker global manufacturing activity, continued negative export order trends, and US trade policy shifts as headwinds. However, falling jet fuel prices (down 9.1% year-on-year) and solid growth on most major trade lanes supported performance.

Director General Willie Walsh said July’s results show “a strong outcome,” but cautioned that August will reveal more about the impact of US tariff and de minimis rule changes on cargo flows.