Global air cargo rises 8. 5% in June as African carriers grow 4. 7% despite capacity decline | Food Business Middle East & Africa - No. 1 Food & Beverage Formulation, Processing & Packaging Publication
GLOBAL – Global air cargo demand has risen 8. 5% year-on-year in June, driven largely by the technology sector and urgent shipping needs, while African carriers have reported a modest 4. 7% rise in freight. . .
GLOBAL – Global air cargo demand has risen 8. 5% year-on-year in June, driven largely by the technology sector and urgent shipping needs, while African carriers have reported a modest 4. 7% rise in freight traffic, supported by trade with Asia, according to the latest report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The Africa-Asia trade corridor underlined regional performance, with freight traffic up 0. 9% and extending its growth streak to 12 consecutive months. However, available cargo capacity in Africa fell by 7. 1% over the same period, in contrast to a general increase in capacity worldwide. Meanwhile, North America led with a 13. 1% increase, followed by Asia-Pacific at 7. 9%, Europe at 6. 9%, the Middle East at 5. 6%, and Latin America and the Caribbean at 3. 5%. Global Drivers and Regional PerformanceIATA attributed global growth primarily to rising trade in high-value technology products and increased demand for urgent shipments. Globally, air cargo volumes rose 8. 5% year on year in June, while capacity expanded 4. 4%. “Global trade increased 5. 2% year-on-year. Jet fuel prices fell 20% in June compared with the previous month, while remaining 45. 8% higher than a year earlier. Global manufacturing activity slowed slightly in June but remained resilient, while export orders weakened,” IATA said. Despite this upward trend, available cargo capacity in Africa shrank, in contrast to a general increase in capacity worldwide. Economic factors such as lower fuel prices and steady manufacturing contributed to these gains, even as international trade tensions and regional conflicts remain significant threats. Risk Factors and Future OutlookAlthough the latest indicators support a positive outlook for the second half of 2026, IATA urged caution. “Hostilities in the Middle East and renewed attention to U. S. tariffs remain risk factors,” Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said. For comparison, global air cargo volumes increased by 3. 4% in 2025 compared with 2024, while African airlines recorded 6% growth over the year. Looking ahead, IATA expects air cargo growth to moderate in 2026, forecasting global growth of 2. 4%. Ultimately, the comprehensive report highlights a period of resilient growth, tempered by cautious warnings about shifting geopolitical risks and tariff policies. While African carriers saw a modest rise in freight traffic, they lagged the double-digit growth seen in North America, highlighting the need for continued investment in cargo capacity across the continent. SignupHEREto receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on ourWhatsApp channelfor updates.