Africa leads world in air cargo demand as global market grows 4.1pc

September 30, 2025 in Business, Companies, Trade & Industry, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

African airlines posted the strongest growth in global air cargo markets in August 2025, with demand rising 11.0% year-on-year, according to the latest analysis by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The gain came off a 12.3pc increase in capacity, pushing the region’s cargo load factor to 39.6pc.

The robust performance outpaced the global average, where cargo demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs) rose 4.1pc compared to August 2024, and capacity increased 3.7pc. Globally, the cargo load factor stood at 44.2pc.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the sector is adapting well to shifting global trade dynamics. “Air cargo demand grew 4.1pc in August, marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Volumes continue to grow even as global trade patterns change. Air cargo has benefitted from a shift from sea for some high-value goods as shippers try to minimise the risk of tariff changes. And growth patterns indicate some being diverted away from North America, fuelling stronger growth for the Europe–Asia, Within Asia, Africa–Asia, and Middle East–Asia trade lanes,” Walsh noted.

Key factors supporting growth included a 5.4% rise in global goods trade in July, lower jet fuel prices — down 6.4pc year-on-year in August — and improving business confidence reflected in a global manufacturing PMI of 51.75, the strongest reading since June 2024.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific carriers posted a 9.8pc demand increase, Europe grew 3.2pc, the Middle East 2.7pc, and Latin America 2.1pc. North America lagged, with demand contracting 2.1pc, marking the weakest regional performance.

On trade lanes, Europe–Asia and Within Asia recorded double-digit growth (+13.0pc and +12.4pc respectively), while Africa–Asia rose 8.4pc, extending a two-month growth streak. In contrast, Asia–North America declined for a fourth straight month (-2.2pc).

Air cargo, often viewed as a barometer of global trade, continues to play a pivotal role in moving high-value, time-sensitive shipments, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce consignments. IATA said the latest results underscore the industry’s resilience and adaptability amid ongoing tariff uncertainty and shifting supply chains.