Freight Market Update – April
Check out this month’s air cargo trends and insights presented by Judah Levine.
Webinar
In this month’s webinar, Judah Levine, Freightos’ Head of Research, breaks down the latest ocean and air freight developments alongside Senior Fellow at the Center for Maritime Security, John D. McCown.
From sweeping new U.S. tariffs to e-commerce shifts and container rate turbulence, here’s what’s shaping global freight in April.
Highlights from This Month’s Update:
- Tariffs & Global Trade Volatility
Unprecedented U.S. tariff hikes—up to 104% on Chinese goods—are fueling uncertainty, shifting sourcing patterns, and sparking retaliation from major trade partners.
- De Minimis Changes & E-Commerce Impact
Cancellation of de minimis for Chinese imports starting May 3 is driving a pivot from air to ocean, reshaping how e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu move goods.
- Ocean Freight Trends & Capacity Crunch
Red Sea diversions continue, but growing fleet capacity and new carrier alliances are pulling rates downward. Peak season could arrive early—but with muted strength.
- Air Cargo Under Pressure
Air cargo volumes remain strong for now, but policy-driven shifts and excess capacity may tip the scales toward falling rates in the coming months.
