Global air cargo demand rose again in August, defying disruptions linked to shifting trade patterns and as some growth appears to be diverting away from North America, reflecting broader changes in routing and trade flows, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Total air cargo demand increased 4.1% year over year in August, based on cargo tonne-kilometers. International operations saw a stronger gain of 5.1%.

Cargo capacity rose 3.7% year over year in August, based on available cargo tonne-kilometers. International operations saw a larger increase of 5.5%.

In July, IATA said total air cargo demand climbed 5.5% year-on-year, signaling robust global performance across most major trade lanes. In June, global air cargo demand rose by 0.8% compared to June 2024. In May, it was up  2.2% compared to May 2024.

"Air cargo demand grew 4.1% in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth," said Willie Walsh, director-generat at IATA, noting that volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change.

"Air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high value goods as shippers try to minimize the risk of tariff changes.  And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fueling stronger growth for the Europe-Asia, Within Asia, Africa-Asia, and Middle East-Asia trade lanes," he added.

"This adaptability is vital as shippers navigate the evolving landscape of US tariff policy."

Africa, APAC airlines led regional performance

Air cargo demand in August was led by strong growth in Asia and Africa, with both regions outpacing global averages. Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 9.8% year-on-year increase in cargo volumes, supported by a 6.9% rise in capacity. African carriers recorded the highest growth across all regions, with demand up 11.0% and capacity climbing 12.3%.

Other regions saw more modest gains. European airlines reported a 3.2% increase in demand and a 4.2% rise in capacity. Middle Eastern carriers posted a 2.7% growth in demand and a 4.3% increase in capacity. Latin American airlines saw demand grow by 2.1%, with capacity up 5.0%.

North America was the only region to see a decline, with cargo demand down 2.1% and capacity slipping 1.0% year-on-year.

Air freight volumes in August 2025 rose across several key trade lanes, with Europe–Asia and intra-Asia routes leading growth in double digits.

Traffic also increased on Middle East–Asia, North America–Europe, and Africa–Asia corridors. In contrast, volumes declined on Asia–North America, Middle East–Europe, and intra-Europe lanes, reflecting shifting trade dynamics.