Worldwide air cargo revenues increased by three per cent in 2025, reaching their highest level since the Covid pandemic years, reported the American Journal of Transportation.

Citing WorldACD Market Data, the report said thatm growth was driven by a record rise in chargeable weight, which closed December with a seven per cent year-on-year increase. Fourth-quarter tonnage rose six per cent, slightly above Q3 growth of five per cent and outperforming the first half of the year.

Full-year chargeable weight was four per cent higher than 2024, which itself had recorded an 11 per cent increase. Average worldwide rates fell one per cent in 2025 compared with 2024, but revenues still rose.

Asia Pacific origins led growth, with December traffic up 11 per cent and full-year volumes up eight per cent. Shifts included rising Southeast Asia-US flows, stagnating China-US traffic, and increased China-Europe volumes.

Average worldwide rates in December were US$2.65 per kilo, unchanged from November but two per cent below December 2024. Spot rates averaged US$2.88 per kilo, down six per cent year-on-year, with declines from Middle East and South Asia, Europe, North America and Central and South America.

Asia Pacific spot rates held up better, falling four per cent year-on-year amid strong demand and limited capacity. Seasonal re-stocking in November had lifted spot rates seven per cent month on month.

Between December 22 and January 4, capacity fell nine per cent compared with the prior two weeks, chargeable weight dropped 30 per cent and average rates slipped five per cent. The pattern mirrored a year earlier, though rates then were more stable. Analysts cited softer Chinese e-commerce demand at the end of 2025 and the later Lunar New Year in 2026.