China's Air Cargo Market Sees Steady Growth Amid Economic Volatility

Strategic Insights -

China's air cargo market continues to experience steady growth, driven by a robust economy and increasing international trade. Despite a complex global economic landscape, my country's GDP growth reached 5.3% in the first half of 2025, setting the stage for continued air cargo development. Air cargo and mail transport reached 4.784 million tons in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%. International cargo and mail transport accounted for 42.6% of total cargo volume, a 2.9 percentage point year-on-year increase and a 10 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2019.

Key Takeaways:

  • China's air cargo and mail transport volume reached 4.784 million tons in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%.
  • International cargo and mail transport accounted for 42.6% of total cargo volume, a 2.9 percentage point year-on-year increase and a 10 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2019.
  • The domestic market share declined as international cargo volume grew at a faster rate.
  • Demand for air cargo between China and the US declined due to US tariff adjustments and other factors, with air cargo demand decreasing by 26% year-on-year as of May 13.
  • Major cargo airlines, such as Atlas Air and Cathay Pacific, saw capacity decreases ranging from 2% to 30% year-on-year.
  • The integration of points and networks has improved the layout of the air logistics network, with air logistics hubs playing a vital role in leading and supporting regional economic development.
  • A total of 145 new cargo routes will be opened nationwide by June 30, 2025, including 28 domestic routes and 117 international cargo routes, with significant increases in international routes.

Statistics:

  • China's air cargo and mail transport volume reached 4.784 million tons in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%.
  • International cargo and mail transport accounted for 42.6% of total cargo volume, a 2.9 percentage point year-on-year increase and a 10 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2019.
  • Air cargo demand on the China-US trade route decreased by 26% year-on-year as of May 13.
  • Capacity decreases ranged from 2% to 30% year-on-year for major cargo airlines.
  • 145 new cargo routes will be opened nationwide by June 30, 2025, including 28 domestic routes and 117 international cargo routes.

Sources:

  • China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing
  • General Administration of Customs of China
  • Rotate Aviation Consulting
  • National Development and Reform Commission
  • International Monetary Fund
  • World Bank