FreightWeek Exclusive: Air cargo shipments experienced an unexpected increase in July.

Global air cargo volumes rose by 5% year-on-year in July as shippers turned to airfreight to navigate U.S. tariffs, according to Xeneta's analysis. Despite this increase, market sentiment is cautious due to ongoing tariff negotiations and a looming August deadline. July's demand surge, attributed to tariff-related frontloading and uncertainty, contrasts with typical seasonal declines. Cargo capacity grew by 3%, improving the dynamic load factor. However, global air cargo spot rates fell 2% year-on-year, reflecting a demand-supply imbalance. The end of the de minimis exemption for small parcels is expected to disrupt trade, particularly affecting Canada, the UK, and Mexico.