Global air cargo demand fell 4.8% in June compared to the previous year, according to latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Demand—measured in freight tonne kilometers—suffered the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year decline in cargo figures.

Trade tensions, most notably between the US and China, continue to have a significant detrimental effect on air freight.
IATA said that “Signs of a modest recovery in recent months appear to have been premature” as all regions except Africa saw a decrease in trade by air.

Capacity—measured in available freight tonne kilometers—grew 2.6% in June compared to 2018, but IATA said it remains “subdued” as load factor also fell.

“Global trade continues to suffer as trade tensions—particularly between the US and China—deepen. As a result, air cargo markets continue to contract,” said IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.

“Nobody wins a trade war. Borders that are open to trade spread sustained prosperity. That’s what our political leaders must focus on.”

Asia-Pacific and the Middle East were hit hardest by the decline in year-on-year growth of total air cargo volumes.