Global airfreight prices rose last week, according to the latest data from TAC Index, a leading price reporting agency for airfreight. The global Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00), calculated by TAC, increased by 2.2 percent for the week ending August 11. This represents a healthy gain during what is typically a quieter period in the airfreight calendar, leaving the index only 1.8 percent lower than it was twelve months ago.

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The data revealed mixed trends across key trade lanes. Rates on the busiest routes out of China were slightly lower to Europe but higher to the US. Newly added lanes to the index, including those from North Asia to India and Spain, also saw rate increases, though not on routes to Australia.

Hong Kong’s new BAI Spot indices showed a steady rise throughout the week, with the broader index for outbound routes from Hong Kong (BAI30) up by 2.1 percent week-on-week, though still 7.1 percent lower year-on-year. Meanwhile, outbound rates from Shanghai (BAI80) edged up 0.8 percent week-on-week, leaving them 4.1 percent below last year’s levels.

Vietnam experienced higher rates to both Europe and the US, while rates from India declined in both directions.

European outbound rates continued to fall to China and Japan, but increased on Transatlantic lanes to the US. Among the new routes recently added, rates to Australia dropped, but those to Brazil, Mexico, India, and South Africa rose. Frankfurt’s outbound index (BAI20) posted a notable 6.6 percent week-on-week increase, placing it 3.5 percent above last year’s figure. London’s outbound index (BAI40) continued its strong upward momentum, gaining 8.5 percent week-on-week and marking a significant 34.2 percent rise year-on-year.

In the US, rates rose to Europe but fell to China and South America, except on the newly introduced lane to Brazil. Chicago’s outbound index (BAI50) slipped 4.9 percent week-on-week, standing 1.5 percent below the same time last year.

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These fluctuations highlight the complex dynamics shaping the airfreight market as it navigates seasonal patterns and shifting global demand. While some regions show strong growth, others face pressure, underscoring the importance of monitoring market trends closely in this evolving landscape.

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