Qatar Airways expects air freight demand to remain firm in 2026 despite tariffs imposed by the US on flows to China, as businesses shift supply chains to other regions, reported Singapore's Straits Times.

Cargo chief Mark Drusch said Chinese exporters are increasingly targeting Africa and the Middle East, where Qatar has expanded capacity. He added that India remains a strong market, prompting more aircraft to be deployed there.

The Doha-based carrier holds a 7.1 per cent share of the global cargo market, moving 2.6 million tonnes in the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, up from 2.4 million tonnes a year earlier. Shipments range from roses for Valentine�� Day to race cars for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix.

Mr Drusch, who became cargo head in January 2024, said the airline aims to raise public awareness of the role freight plays in daily life. He noted one unusual assignment in 2025, when American YouTuber MrBeast arranged for three lions to be flown from Ukraine to South Africa.

The lions were moved via Poland to Doha on September 12 before arriving in Johannesburg on September 13. Preparations included airport readiness and ensuring the animals were fit to fly. Qatar handles more than 68 live animal shipments daily but bans hunting trophies.

Demand from aerospace firms has risen, with daily engine shipments increasing from more than five in 2023 to 2024 to seven in 2024 to 2025. Airlines expanding fleets require rapid but careful transport of sensitive components.

Qatar has introduced products to reduce vibration risks, including dollies for engines and specialized handling for semiconductor racks used in artificial intelligence. Mr Drusch said demand for these services is growing, particularly in Singapore.