Air cargo rates climb as peak season builds, though volatility eases: WorldACD

According to the WorldACD report, early December data indicates a continued upward trend in air cargo spot market pricing, with rates rising in the first week of the month. However, this year’s peak season has been noticeably less volatile than in recent years. The report suggests, international spot rates in week 49 increased by 3 per cent compared with the final week of November, reaching an average of $3.01 per kg—an expected seasonal uplift as the year-end peak approaches. The week-on-week increase was driven primarily by an 11per cent rise in rates from African origins, alongside a 6per cent increase from Europe and a 4per cent gain from Asia Pacific, WorldACD reported. In contrast, spot prices from Central and South America (CSA) declined by 7 per cent week on week. This drop was largely attributed to the conclusion of Chile’s cherry export season, which had previously pushed rates higher, particularly on routes serving strong demand from China. Looking more closely at Asia Pacific, spot rates from China to the US continued their recovery in week 49 following a turbulent year influenced by shifting tariff policies. Rates on this lane rose by 8 per cent week on week to $6.82 per kg—the highest level recorded this year and slightly above the same period in 2023.