How is air freight coping with the aftermath of the post-de minimis situation?

The transpacific route is the busiest for widebody freighters, but significant disruptions occurred in May 2025 when U.S. customs regulations changed, leading to a 40% drop in freighter capacity from Asia to North America. This resulted in around 60 freighters being underutilized as e-commerce demand declined. Airlines are now flying less and strategizing for recovery, with a 22% rebound in freighter usage by mid-May. While some e-commerce cargo is shifting to ocean freight, experts predict a temporary surge in air cargo demand as businesses rush to ship before tariff changes. Overall, the trade landscape remains uncertain.