Source: The Loadstar
Date: 29th July 2026 

Reduced demand for low-value imports has led to fewer freighter flights and declining cargo volumes across several European gateways.

The introduction of new European Union charges on low-value e-commerce imports is beginning to reshape cross-border air cargo flows, with early indicators showing a noticeable decline in freighter activity and shipment volumes across several major European logistics hubs.

Recent market data suggests the new import charges have reduced demand for low-value e-commerce shipments, resulting in an estimated reduction of around 18 widebody freighter flights per day serving Europe.

Several key air cargo gateways have recorded significant declines in cargo activity since the measures took effect. Reported freight volume reductions include Liège (-16%), Milan Malpensa (-24%), Amsterdam Schiphol (-12%) and Budapest (-46%), highlighting the immediate impact on European e-commerce logistics networks.

The new charging regime increases the landed cost of imported low-value goods, reducing demand for cross-border online purchases and consequently lowering shipment volumes moving through Europe’s air cargo network.

While some cargo flows have shifted between airports as logistics providers adjust customs and distribution strategies, the overall trend indicates a broader slowdown rather than simple redistribution of volumes.

Some EU member states have adopted different implementation timelines for additional national charges, creating temporary variations in competitiveness among individual gateways. However, these differences are unlikely to fully offset the wider reduction in regional e-commerce demand.

Industry participants expect the market to gradually adapt as retailers, logistics providers and airlines optimise shipment consolidation, routing strategies and fulfilment networks. As businesses adjust to the revised cost structure, cargo volumes may partially recover, although demand is unlikely to return immediately to previous levels.

For airports, however, the ability to offset the decline remains limited. Because airport operators primarily serve airlines rather than e-commerce platforms or retailers directly, any meaningful recovery will largely depend on broader market demand and airline network planning.

The latest developments demonstrate how customs policies and import charges can rapidly influence freight demand and transportation networks.

As cross-border e-commerce becomes more cost-sensitive, retailers and logistics providers may increasingly reconsider fulfilment strategies, warehouse locations and shipment consolidation to maintain competitiveness while managing higher import costs.

The changes could also accelerate the localisation of inventory within Europe as businesses seek to reduce reliance on individual low-value cross-border shipments.

The initial decline in air cargo demand is likely to represent the first phase of market adjustment rather than a permanent contraction.

Over time, retailers, airlines and logistics providers are expected to optimise their operating models through improved consolidation, alternative routing and greater use of regional distribution centres. While volumes may gradually stabilise, the structure of European cross-border e-commerce logistics is likely to evolve as businesses adapt to the new regulatory environment.

Continued monitoring will be important as additional national implementation measures and seasonal demand patterns influence cargo flows during the remainder of the year.

What This Means

• Review the impact of new import charges on landed costs for low-value shipments.
• Consider consolidating shipments to improve transportation efficiency.
• Evaluate regional warehousing and fulfilment strategies to reduce cross-border costs.
• Monitor changes in airline capacity and transit times as cargo demand evolves.
• Work closely with logistics partners to optimise customs planning and network design.

The decline in European e-commerce air cargo volumes illustrates how regulatory changes can reshape supply chains almost immediately. As transportation costs and customs requirements evolve, businesses will need to balance speed, cost and inventory positioning more carefully than ever before.

Rather than relying solely on direct cross-border fulfilment, many companies may increasingly adopt regional distribution hubs, shipment consolidation and diversified logistics networks to remain competitive. The need to redesign supply chains around these new market realities will become an increasingly valuable differentiator.