Tariff disputes led to a $157 billion increase in air cargo in early 2025.

In 2025, air cargo was vital for global trade and economic growth, facilitating $157 billion in U.S. imports during Q1 amid rising tariffs, which reached levels not seen since the 1930s. Tariff increases and frequent policy changes led businesses to rely heavily on air freight to expedite shipments before new duties took effect. Air cargo enabled rapid shifts in supply chains, particularly in the expanding artificial intelligence sector, which accounted for a significant portion of air cargo's value. Despite challenges, global trade grew by 2.4%, with air cargo remaining essential for moving high-value goods efficiently.