Asia-Pacific Air Cargo Exports Rise 9% in Week Ending October 18

Global air cargo volumes grew 2% week on week in the seven days ending October 18, 2026, while exports from Asia-Pacific climbed 9%, WorldACD reported.

Key details

• Asia-Pacific-to-US cargo tonnage increased 10% week on week and stood 14% above its year-earlier level.
• Hong Kong exports to the United States rose 27% week on week, while China’s increased 18.
• Asia-Pacific-to-Europe tonnage rose 13% week on week, although it was 16% below the same period a year earlier.
• South Korea’s exports to Europe increased 34% week on week, China’s rose 22%, Singapore’s gained 16%, and Hong Kong’s climbed 11%.
• Chargeable weight declined across other regions: North America fell 5%, Central and South America 4%, Middle East and South Asia 3%, Europe 2%, and Africa 1%.
• Airfreight rates rose 4% from Asia-Pacific, 3% from Central and South America, 2% from Middle East and South Asia, and 1% from Europe and North America. Rates from Africa fell 4%.

Asia-Pacific-to-Europe cargo tonnage rose 13% week on week but remained 16% below its level a year earlier.

Why it matters

The figures show contrasting movements on major cargo lanes: Asia-Pacific shipments to the United States and Europe rose from the prior week, while the Europe route remained below its year-earlier level. For US air cargo operators and shippers, the reported growth on the trans-Pacific lane offers a current measure of export activity.

What happens next

The next weekly figures will show whether Asia-Pacific export growth continues across the US and European lanes. Which trade route will record the strongest change?