The U.S. air cargo industry is adapting as changes in sourcing alter trade patterns.

The U.S. air cargo market is stabilizing post-pandemic, as demand declines from the previous e-commerce surge. In 2025, North American carriers saw a 1.3% decrease in cargo tonne kilometres, with capacity down 1.1%. Trade patterns are shifting, with increased imports from Taiwan and Southeast Asia, influenced by tariffs and rising tech product demand. Regulatory changes are leading shippers to bundle volumes for compliance. As air cargo evolves, rates are softening due to a move from long-term contracts to spot buying, while the second half of 2026 may see modest growth amid ongoing geopolitical and supply chain changes.