SMARTcargo Daily Air Cargo Brief — July 23, 2026
Industry Pulse: Global air cargo tonnage fell 4% WoW (week ending July 12) as Typhoon Bavi hit Asia Pacific and US-Iran tensions rattled markets; spot rates eased 3% WoW to $3.47/kg, still +32% YoY (WorldACD).
Route Trends: Asia-Europe rates fell for a third straight week, led by a 9% WoW drop from China to $4.45/kg; Middle East lanes stayed firm as carriers delay network returns amid tensions.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia-US): ~$6.68 (-2% WoW, +37% YoY)
• Asia-Europe: ~$4.82 (-5% WoW)
• Transatlantic: ~$3.62 (softening, ample bellyhold capacity)
Global avg: $3.47/kg (+32% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US avg ~$3.57/gal (Gulf Coast, June). Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl (-17.6% MoM, IATA). Surcharges est. 15-20% of AWB.
Top Story: Embraer and Azorra signed 20 firm orders for passenger-to-freighter conversions (July 22), signaling freighter capacity growth even as spot demand cools.
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)17 days ago
SMARTcargo Daily Air Cargo Brief — July 23, 2026
Industry Pulse: Global air cargo tonnage fell 4% WoW (week ending July 12) as Typhoon Bavi hit Asia Pacific and US-Iran tensions rattled markets; spot rates eased 3% WoW to $3.47/kg, still +32% YoY (WorldACD).
Route Trends: Asia-Europe rates fell for a third straight week, led by a 9% WoW drop from China to $4.45/kg; Middle East lanes stayed firm as carriers delay network returns amid tensions.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia-US): ~$6.68 (-2% WoW, +37% YoY)
• Asia-Europe: ~$4.82 (-5% WoW)
• Transatlantic: ~$3.62 (softening, ample bellyhold capacity)
Global avg: $3.47/kg (+32% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US avg ~$3.57/gal (Gulf Coast, June). Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl (-17.6% MoM, IATA). Surcharges est. 15-20% of AWB.
Top Story: Embraer and Azorra signed 20 firm orders for passenger-to-freighter conversions (July 22), signaling freighter capacity growth even as spot demand cools.
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)18 days ago
Industry Pulse: Global tonnage fell 4% WoW (July 6-12) as Typhoon Bavi cut APAC volumes 7%; rates hold near $3.47/kg, +32% YoY (WorldACD). US-Iran tensions and new EU import rules keep markets on edge.
Route Trends: HK-Europe e-commerce softened under new EU de minimis rules; Taiwan-Europe surged ~20% on AI-equipment freight. Frankfurt/Munich delays add friction at EU gateways.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia-US): ~$6.68 (-2% WoW, +37% YoY)
• Asia-Europe: ~$4.82 (-5% WoW, 3rd straight drop)
• Transatlantic: stable-to-firm; no notable swing (n/a)
Global avg: $3.47/kg (+32% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US avg ~$3.57/gal (Gulf Coast, June), easing off peak. Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl, -18% MoM (IATA). Surcharges est. 8-15% of AWB.
Top Story: Forecasters now expect 2026 airfreight rates to rise 5-15% rather than soften, as Mideast conflict risk reshapes capacity/demand.
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)19 days ago
Industry Pulse: Global tonnages fell 4% WoW (Jul 6–12) as Asia Pacific volumes dropped 7% on Typhoon Bavi; spot rates eased 3% WoW to $3.47/kg, +32% YoY (WorldACD).
Route Trends: Asia–Europe tonnage fell a 3rd straight week (China–Europe -9% WoW to $4.45/kg) after EU's Jul 1 de minimis removal cut HK–Europe volumes 23% YoY; MESA–US tonnage down ~14% WoW on Iran-US tensions.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia–US): ~$6.68 (-2% WoW, +37% YoY)
• Asia–Europe: ~$4.82 (-5% WoW, 3rd weekly decline)
• Transatlantic: firming — London Heathrow +9.3% WoW (TAC Index proxy)
Global avg: $3.47/kg (+32% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US avg $7.45/gal (FBO survey). Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl, -17.6% MoM as Mideast ceasefire eases the risk premium. Surcharges 8–15% of AWB.
Top Story: DHL Group raised its FY profit outlook on strong Q2 express results, even as cargo demand cools from typhoon and geopolitical disruption.
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)20 days ago
Industry Pulse: Global tonnage slipped 2% WoW in the US holiday week but remains +4% YoY; spot rates eased 2% to $3.62/kg as fuel costs cool (WorldACD).
Route Trends: Taiwan–Europe volumes surged ~20% on AI-equipment demand while Hong Kong–Europe e-commerce cooled after the EU's new de minimis rules; Emirates SkyCargo is prepping its first transpacific flights.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia–US): ~$6.83 (-3% WoW)
• Asia–Europe: ~$5.09 (-2% WoW)
• Transatlantic: ~$3.30 (softening, -4% WoW EU/NA avg, proxy)
Global avg: $3.62/kg (+37% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US avg $7.45/gal (Jul 20). Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl (-18% MoM). Fuel surcharges 20–40% of AWB.
Top Story: DHL Group raised its full-year operating profit outlook after a strong Q2, led by the express division (DHL).
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)23 days ago
Industry Pulse: Global tonnage eased 2% WoW (US holiday effect) but held +4% YoY; spot rates dipped 1% WoW to $3.13/kg, still +37% YoY as fuel costs ease (WorldACD).
Route Trends: Asia–Europe volumes cooled as new EU de minimis rules hit HK–Europe e-commerce, while Taiwan–Europe jumped ~20% on AI-hardware demand. Middle East lanes stay firm on lingering risk premium.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia–US): ~$6.83 (-3% WoW)
• Asia–Europe: ~$5.09 (softening WoW)
• Transatlantic: n/a (-4% WoW, summer bellyhold pressure)
Global avg: $3.13/kg (+37% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US retail avg $7.45/gal (mid-Jul). Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl (-17.6% MoM) on Mideast ceasefire diplomacy. Fuel surcharges: n/a this week.
Top Story: Ceasefire diplomacy eased jet fuel sharply, but renewed US-Iran hostilities threaten to reverse gains and disrupt cargo flows ahead (Air Cargo Week).
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)24 days ago
Industry Pulse: Global rates eased 1% WoW to $3.13/kg (wk ending Jul 5); spot rates fell 2% to $3.62/kg as capacity recovers post-Gulf conflict (WorldACD). Still +37% YoY; Baltic Air Freight Index -2.5% WoW (+20.4% YoY).
Route Trends: HK–Europe e-commerce tonnage fell 12% WoW on new EU de minimis rules; Taiwan–Europe surged ~20% on AI-equipment demand. MESA capacity deficit narrowed to -10% from -14%.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia–US): ~$6.83 (-3% WoW)
• Asia–Europe: ~$5.09 (softening)
• Transatlantic: n/a; Europe avg -4% WoW (proxy)
Global avg: $3.62/kg (+37% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US avg $7.48/gal (Jul 15). Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl (-17.6% MoM, ceasefire easing). Surcharges n/a — carrier-specific.
Top Story: Emirates SkyCargo launches its first transpacific flights while ending passenger-freighter ops from the Iran-US conflict — a network reset as tensions ease.
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)24 days ago
Industry Pulse: Global rates eased a third straight week, down 1% WoW to $3.13/kg on falling fuel costs and softer demand, though still 37% above year-ago levels (WorldACD). Mideast ceasefire diplomacy keeps easing the risk premium.
Route Trends: Hong Kong–Europe e-commerce fell sharply on new EU de minimis rules; Taiwan–Europe traffic surged ~20% on AI-equipment shipments. MESA deficits are narrowing.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia–US): ~$6.83 (-3% WoW)
• Asia–Europe: ~$5.09 (softening WoW)
• Transatlantic: ~$2.16 (TAC Index proxy, softening)
Global avg: $3.62/kg (+37% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US avg ~$3.57/gal (Gulf Coast, June), easing. Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl (-17.6% MoM, IATA). Fuel surcharges ~15-25% of AWB.
Top Story: DHL Group raised its 2026 profit outlook on strong Q2 results led by its express division amid softer spot rates.
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)26 days ago
Industry Pulse: Global rates eased a 2nd week, down 1% WoW to $3.13/kg; spot rates fell 2% to $3.62/kg on softer demand, lower fuel (WorldACD). Still 37% above year-ago levels.
Route Trends: Asia-Pacific–US spot rates fell -3% (2nd week); Asia–Europe softened -2%. Middle East–Europe stays firm (+89% YoY) as Emirates SkyCargo preps first transpacific freighter flights.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia–US): ~$6.83 (-3% WoW)
• Asia–Europe: ~$5.15 (-2% WoW, +38% YoY)
• Transatlantic: ~$3.38 (-4% WoW, summer belly capacity)
Global avg: $3.62/kg (+37% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US Gulf Coast ~$3.57/gal (June). Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl (IATA), -17.6% MoM as Mideast ceasefire eases risk premium. Surcharges ~8-15% of AWB.
Top Story: Emirates SkyCargo readies first transpacific freighter flights, winding down wartime passenger-freighter ops; Saudia Cargo ordered four 777-200Fs ahead of peak season.
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)27 days ago
SMARTcargo Daily Air Cargo Brief — July 13, 2026
Industry Pulse: Global air cargo demand +9% YoY in June; Baltic Air Freight Index -2.7% WoW into July, still +27.7% YoY (WorldACD/BAI). Tariff front-loading and tight capacity keep rates firm.
Route Trends: Lufthansa Cargo flags delays at Frankfurt/Munich on congestion. Transpacific stays capacity-constrained (load factors 90%+); Middle East lanes post steep YoY gains on reroutes.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia–US): ~$5.78 (+30% YoY)
• Asia–Europe: ~$4.17 (+30% YoY)
• Transatlantic: n/a direct; US-origin firming (Chicago +10.1% WoW, proxy)
Global avg: $2.70/kg (+20% YoY, Freightos)
Jet A Watch: US Gulf Coast ~$3.57/gal (Jun, flat MoM). Global jet fuel ~$117/bbl (IATA, -17.6% MoM, Mideast ceasefire eases risk premium). Surcharges ~8-12% of AWB.
Top Story: DHL Group raised its FY profit outlook after strong prelim Q2 results led by its express division — bullish for peak season demand.
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Bjarki Arnarson
(SMARTcargo)29 days ago
Industry Pulse: Tonnage held flat WoW, avg rates ~$3.23/kg (WorldACD); Baltic Air Freight Index -2.7% WoW, +27.7% YoY. Tariff front-loading ahead of July 24 and Mideast ceasefire diplomacy shape rates.
Route Trends: Transpacific Asia–US stays tight on AI-hardware/tariff cargo; Asia–Europe capacity eases. Transatlantic down ~25% vs winter as summer belly capacity floods the North Atlantic.
Charter Spot Rates (per kg):
• Transpacific (Asia–US): ~$6.60 (easing WoW, tariff-elevated)
• Asia–Europe: ~$4.55 (softening; Shanghai -6% WoW)
• Transatlantic: down ~25% (belly-capacity glut)
Global avg: ~$3.23/kg (WorldACD, flat WoW; BAI00 +27.7% YoY)
Jet A Watch: US Gulf Coast ~$3.57/gal (June). IATA global ~$116.63/bbl, -17.6% MoM. Fuel surcharges elevated.
Top Story: Lufthansa Cargo warns of longer Frankfurt/Munich handling times, adding staff; A321 freighter return still under review.
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