The rate premiums air freight buyers have paid since the escalation of the Middle East conflict in late February are continuing to unwind, with little evidence of a peak season boost for airlines and forwarders to look forward to, as the global air cargo market faces a slower second half of 2026, according to new industry data and analysis from Xeneta.  Data for July 2026 was in line with Xeneta's earlier market statements. Global air cargo spot rates (valid for up to one month) stood +28% … [Read more...] about Xeneta: Little appetite for peak season charters signals a weaker air cargo market over rest of 2026

Xeneta, the ocean and air freight rate intelligence solution, has published the Air Freight Outlook 2026 Mid-Year Update, adjusting the full-year 2026 forecast issued in December 2025 to factor in the ongoing impact of conflict in the Middle East on rates, demand and supply. Shipper long-term rates were set to fall 5% to 10% in full-year 2026; however, those rates are now expected to rise 5% to 15%, driven primarily by the supply chain shock caused by the escalation of conflict in the Middle … [Read more...] about Xeneta publishes 2026 air freight outlook update: Long-term rates set to rise 5-15% full-year due to impact of Middle East conflict

Exceptional demand for semiconductors and AI-related hardware inspired a +7% growth in global air cargo demand in June, but spot rates continue to ease in line with expectations after a calming of the Middle East conflict, restoration of capacity through the big Gulf airport hubs, and a fall back in jet fuel prices, according to the latest market data from industry analysts Xeneta. Global air cargo spot rates (valid for up to one month) rose +38% year-on-year in June to an average of USD 3.40 … [Read more...] about Xeneta: Soaring AI shipments invigorate air cargo’s resilience as global demand rises +7% in June, but spot rate growth continues to ease

After hitting a three-year high in the previous month, global air cargo spot rates jumped up again in May, rising +41% year-on-year, but the pricing pressures on shippers may start to ease in June, according to industry analysts, Xeneta. May’s average global spot rate of USD 3.40 per kg was driven by market fundamentals as global air cargo demand stayed resilient – slightly ahead of expectations - and outpaced supply, which continued to recover from disruption caused by the Middle East … [Read more...] about Xeneta: Global air cargo spot rates jump +41% in May, but some relief may be on the way for shippers

Global air cargo spot rates (valid for up to one month) surged +30% year-on-year in April to USD 3.34 per kg to reach their highest level since October 2022, but the worst may be over for shippers as capacity returns on routes most affected by the Middle East conflict, and market fundamentals start to regain control of air freight pricing, according to industry analysts Xeneta. April’s spot rate levels, which also included a +18% jump in long-term rates (valid for over one month) stirred … [Read more...] about Xeneta: Global air cargo spot rates hit a three-year high in April, but market fundamentals will calm costs for shippers