Global airfreight rates remained stable last week despite a slight dip in the Baltic Air Freight Index, with mixed trends across various routes.
Global airfreight rates held firm last week even as the Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) slipped 0.6 per cent week-on-week, leaving it 16.8 per cent higher year-on-year, reports London's Air Cargo Week.
Softer pricing was linked to increased passenger bellyhold capacity during the summer and improved carrier preparedness after earlier disruptions. Rates from Asia showed mixed trends, with China-Europe lanes weakening while some transpacific routes strengthened. Hong Kong and Shanghai outbound rates stayed above year-ago levels, supported by technology and semiconductor demand.
European markets mostly declined, except for Europe-UAE lanes which surged amid Middle East disruption. Frankfurt outbound rates fell 7.6 per cent week-on-week, turning negative year-on-year, while London Heathrow gained 7.4 per cent, boosted by traffic to the Middle East, South East Asia, and the US.
US outbound rates strengthened on selected lanes, including China, Germany, and Brazil, though not overall to Europe. Chicago outbound rates fell 4.2 per cent week-on-week but remained 16.4 per cent higher year-on-year. Mexico-Europe rates edged higher and stayed well above year-ago levels.
TAC Index data showed resilience in global pricing despite volatile energy markets and renewed Middle East hostilities. Analysts said carriers' readiness and added passenger capacity helped stabilize rates even as geopolitical uncertainty persisted.
