Air freight rates remained stable last month, with the global Baltic Air Freight Index rising 1.8% month-on-month and 7.5% year-on-year. Key routes showed mixed results, with Hong Kong up 0.3% and Shanghai up 2.7%, while Frankfurt fell 11.2% YoY despite a 1.5% MoM increase. The overall market sentiment is cautious, with expectations for a peak season surge diminished due to potential trade barriers and tariff increases, particularly from the U.S. administration’s proposed stricter e-commerce import rules. Industry players like Temu and Shein are adapting to these changes, but the long-term effects on e-commerce pricing remain uncertain.

Source: https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/air-freight-rates-in-holding-pattern-new-us-rules-target-e-commerce-1353412