The Asia-Pacific air freight market is experiencing sustained growth, driven by strong demand across key trade lanes and evolving regulatory changes, according to Maersk. Despite a sharp acceleration in China’s economy during Q4 2024, which saw the country achieve a 5% GDP growth, other indicators suggest that the actual economic momentum may have been weaker, and consumer confidence remains low.
Outbound demand in the Asia-Pacific region remains exceptionally strong, and capacity availability continues to meet this demand. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Asia-North America air cargo corridor, the largest in the world, recorded a 6.1% year-on-year (YoY) increase, marking 15 consecutive months of growth. This ongoing expansion is primarily driven by robust shipments in electronics and e-commerce, reinforcing the route’s resilience.
The Europe-Asia trade lane has also shown steady growth, with a 2.3% YoY rise in cargo volumes, continuing a nearly two-year trend of consistent increases. Despite facing geopolitical challenges, this corridor remains critical for shipments of automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, and high-value machinery.
However, regulatory uncertainty continues to be a key concern in the market. In the U.S., the planned termination of the de-minimis exemption for Chinese low-value packages was temporarily halted on February 7, 2025, due to customs backlogs. The full implementation has been delayed until U.S. authorities are ready, creating uncertainty for e-commerce businesses and logistics providers.
Maersk is closely monitoring market trends and regulatory changes to help customers navigate the evolving air freight landscape. By offering integrated logistics solutions, Maersk ensures flexibility in routing and capacity management, helping minimize potential disruptions to supply chains.
With ongoing growth in key trade lanes and upcoming regulatory adjustments, businesses are advised to stay proactive in monitoring policy changes that could impact their shipments. Maersk encourages customers to engage with its expert teams for tailored logistics strategies and alternative transport solutions, should they be necessary.
Looking ahead, Maersk expects air freight demand on the Asia-North America route to remain strong. However, there are downside risks, including tariffs, changes in U.S. consumption patterns, and regulatory shifts that could complicate low-value shipments. To support businesses through these challenges, Maersk will continue providing real-time insights and expert guidance.
Inland cargo dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region are also evolving, driven by significant infrastructure developments, increasing cross-border trade, and the surge in e-commerce demand. Investments in rail and road networks are improving efficiency and reducing transit costs, particularly along the China-Europe rail trade lane, while expanded expressways are shortening delivery times.
Countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia are modernizing their road freight systems to support industrial growth, while logistics providers are upgrading their fleets to keep up with rising e-commerce volumes. Cross-border trade continues to gain momentum, supported by new logistics hubs and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), although border delays and customs complexities remain persistent challenges.
The surge in e-commerce is intensifying the demand for faster last-mile delivery solutions, prompting investments in regional warehouses, optimized fleets, and improved distribution networks. Maersk is strengthening its inland logistics network with expanded rail, road, and warehousing services, including cross-border solutions, dedicated road transport, and last-mile delivery capabilities.
Through its integrated solutions, from digital tracking tools to sustainable logistics options, Maersk is helping businesses optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce costs. As infrastructure improvements continue and regulatory shifts reshape inland cargo flows, Maersk remains committed to delivering seamless and cost-effective logistics solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
