Air cargo demand on Asia-Europe and intra-Asia routes rose by double digits in August, driven by US tariffs and a clampdown on low-value imports, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reported New York's Journal of Commerce.

Asia-Europe demand increased 13 per cent year-on-year, while intra-Asia rose 12.4 per cent. Global air cargo demand grew 7 per cent overall, but Asia-US demand fell 2.2 per cent.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh said shippers are shifting high-value goods from sea to air to avoid tariff risks, boosting volumes on Asia-Europe, Africa-Asia and Middle East-Asia lanes.

The US removed China's exemption from de minimis rules on May 2, eliminating duty-free access for goods under US$800. The rule was extended to all trading partners on August 29.

China-US e-commerce previously filled half of trans-Pacific air freight capacity and 6 per cent of global demand. With that trade now subdued, Chinese platforms have redirected traffic to Europe.

Rates on China-North Europe routes rose 10 per cent from early August to late September, reaching US$4.47 per kilogram. China-North America rates fell 4.5 per cent to US$5.02/kg.

Analyst Rotate reported Asia-Europe air cargo capacity rose 15 per cent year-on-year from June to September, reaching 1.3 million metric tons. Asia-US capacity fell 1 per cent to 1.5 million metric tons.

Xeneta analyst Niall van de Wouw said the rise in air cargo volumes reflects a modal shift, not stronger economic activity. He noted that volumes are better than feared but below expectations.