The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its August 2025 data for the global air cargo markets, showing a sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
Global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), rose 4.1% in August compared to August 2024 (+5.1% for international operations).
Global air cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), rose 3.7% compared to August 2024 (+5.5% for international operations).
Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, said the figures show that air cargo volumes continue to grow despite against a backdrop of changing trading patterns.
For example, air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high-value goods, he said, as shippers seek to minimise the risk of tariff changes.
“Growth patterns indicate that some of these goods are being diverted away from North America, fuelling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes,” said Walsh.
“This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy.”
The rise in air cargo volume was also supported by growth in the global goods trade, which grew by 5.4% year-on-year in July.
In addition, jet fuel prices in August were 6.4% lower year-on-year, marking the fourteenth consecutive month of year-on-year declines.
Finally, global manufacturing in August showed rising optimism in the manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI), with a rebound to 51.75 – its strongest reading since June 2024.
However, sentiment on new export orders came in at 48.73, reflecting continued caution amid tariff uncertainty.
A PMI above 50 indicates sector expansion, while a PMI below 50 indicates sector contraction.