Global air cargo volumes are experiencing an adjustment as demand from the e-commerce sector temporarily softens, according to a report from The Loadstar. The market is seeing change as a combination of Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and new European Union regulations affects demand patterns.
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Forwarders report that demand from Chinese e-commerce players has decreased, with one stating, “The market is definitely not as busy as before.” This decline comes despite the market being in a typical seasonal peak period leading up to Chinese New Year. A logistics executive noted, “The fact that we’re in a peak period, but still not seeing volumes, shows the drop has been quite significant.”
The EU’s new pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) rules, effective since June 2025, are cited as a factor. These regulations require more data on e-commerce shipments, which has slowed down logistics processes. An executive from a major forwarder said, “We are seeing the market adjust after the PLACI regulations came into force.”
Concurrently, air freight rates from Asia have fallen. Spot rates from Shanghai to North Europe dropped 12% week-on-week to $3.55 per kg, while rates to North America fell 6% to $4.74 per kg. This price decline aligns with the reduced demand, though capacity remains constrained due to ongoing geopolitical disruptions affecting key air and sea routes.
The report also highlights that the EU’s new Import Control System 2 (ICS2) release 3, which requires full entry summary declarations for all goods entering the EU, is adding further complexity. A source at a large European handler said the system is causing “teething problems” and delays at cargo terminals.