Shorter Peak Season, Stabilized Rates? Insights from the 2025 Air Cargo Forum
Release time:
2025-09-20
1. News Recap | Forum Highlights
On September 18, the Air Cargo Logistics Development Forum (China) was held in Shanghai. Airlines, airports, freight forwarders, e-commerce platforms, and industry institutions gathered under the theme of “Challenges and Breakthroughs.”
Key takeaway: Air cargo remains stable, but peak seasons are shorter, rates more rational, and efficiency will define competitiveness.
2. Core Data | Key Industry Numbers
Rising Chinese Forwarders: The number of Chinese companies in the Top 50 Global Air Freight Forwarders grew from 6-7 in 2022 to 14 in 2025, doubling in just three years.
Freighter Demand Surges: With passenger belly capacity still lagging, dedicated freighter expansion will be the main growth driver in the next five years.
E-commerce Drives Growth: By 2027, cross-border e-commerce will account for 25%+ of global air cargo volumes, with China–Southeast Asia emerging as the most dynamic corridor.
Shorter U.S. Peak Season: 2025 China–U.S. air freight rates are expected to rise by 3–5 RMB/kg, but the window will last only 3–4 months, far shorter than pandemic peaks.
3. Market Impacts | What This Means
China–U.S. Trade Uncertainty: Frequent U.S. tariff changes make long-term planning difficult.
E-commerce Dependency: Platforms control pricing power, squeezing forwarders’ margins, and some are building their own logistics arms.
Shifting Hub Dynamics: While Shenzhen and Guangzhou are catching up, Hong Kong remains irreplaceable in compliance and high-value cargo handling.
New Operating Logic: The focus has shifted from scaling capacity to optimizing efficiency and execution speed, especially during short peak windows.
4. Shipper Advice | How to Respond
Secure Space Early
Book China to USA air freight services 2–3 weeks in advance to lock in rates and space.
Diversify Market Exposure
Beyond the U.S. trade lane, allocate part of your volume to Southeast Asia emerging markets (Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia) to reduce risks.
Choose End-to-End Providers
A simple “airport-to-airport” service is no longer enough. Door-to-door, DDP/DDU solutions ensure resilience against e-commerce volatility.
Use Hubs Strategically
High-value or compliance-sensitive cargo → Hong Kong hub
General or cost-sensitive cargo → Shenzhen & Guangzhou hubs
5. Why Choose Us | Your Reliable Freight Partner
As a freight forwarder specializing in China–U.S. air freight, we offer:
Full DDP/DDU solutions (pickup + air transport + customs clearance + last-mile delivery);
Dual channels via Hong Kong & Shenzhen, tailored to different cargo types;
Guaranteed peak-season space, ensuring stable exports during short demand cycles;
📩 Contact us today for the latest China to USA air freight rates and space availability.
6. Building Certainty in a Complex Market
Air cargo is no longer just transportation — it is the engine powering cross-border e-commerce and advanced manufacturing.
With freighter fleet expansion and booming e-commerce demand, success depends on specialization, digitalization, and end-to-end service capabilities.
👉 Looking for the latest China–U.S. freight solutions?
Reach out to Pasi International Logistics
RELATED BLOG
Understanding Door-to-Door Sea Shipping from China to the USA: A Comprehensive Guide
Door-to-door sea shipping from China to the USA is a logistics service that entails transferring goods from a seller's location directly to the buyer's specified destination. This method is especially advantageous for businesses looking to import large quantities of products due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to handle bulky items. The door-to-door sea shipping process generally consists of
View Details
