Air freight volumes from Southeast Asia to the US grew at the fastest rate of the year in October as manufacturing continues to diversify away from China, reports London's Air Cargo News.

Figures from WorldACD showed overall demand from Asia Pacific to the US was up six per cent year on year in week 46, with Southeast Asia and Taiwan leading growth.

Demand from Southeast Asia origins rose 40 per cent in October, the highest monthly increase this year. For the first 10 months, tonnages from the region to the US averaged nearly 26 per cent higher year on year.

By contrast, tonnages from China fell two per cent, Hong Kong dropped 16 per cent and South Korea slipped 10 per cent in week 46. Year-to-date volumes from China and Hong Kong to the US are down nearly six per cent.

Analysts said the figures reflect US importers seeking suppliers outside China. Taiwan's growth also reflects strong demand for high-performance semiconductor chips used in AI.

Air imports from Taiwan have consistently risen 30-50 per cent this year, with similar increases from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. In week 46, tonnages from Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia rose 41, 60, 37 and 62 per cent respectively.

Rates on Asia Pacific services climbed ahead of Black Friday and Thanksgiving, rising four per cent week on week to $4.11 per kg. However, spot rates remain 11 per cent lower than last year.