Source: The Loadstar 
Date: 18th July 2025

With seasonal patterns broken, shipments stall in warehouses as carriers reposition capacity.

Air freight markets are experiencing unusual dynamics as tariff uncertainties and supply chain realignments have halted traditional seasonal shifts. Despite a slight rise in global airfreight rates, particularly on eastbound Trans-Pacific routes, significant concerns remain over where goods are being held rather than freely moving to end-users. This lingering inventory backlog is dampening demand and will likely affect future pricing and space availability.

The abrupt slowdown in shipments appears to have led to strategic delays in cargo release, with stock being held in regional hubs and bonded warehouses globally.

Industry analysts suggest that these “invisible” inventory reserves may distort the true picture of trade flow, complicating planning for carriers, forwarders and shippers. This lack of clarity adds a level of unpredictability that challenges traditional peak season forecasts.

As the reciprocal U.S. tariff deadline approaches, the air cargo sector finds itself in a holding pattern.

Carriers are hedging their bets on capacity, while shippers await clearer policy signals before accelerating shipments. Until global stakeholders regain confidence in trade policy stability, the realignment of inventory and its impact on rates will likely keep the airfreight market in a state of flux.