Freight Market Update – June
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, unpacks the latest global freight turbulence with industry veteran Timo Ostro, Managing Director at BCON Projects and former executive at UPS, DHL, and DSV.
From see-sawing tariffs to front-loaded peak season cargo and air freight tech transformations, here’s what’s shaping global freight in June.
Highlights from This Month’s Update:
- Trade War Tactics & Legal Wrangling
U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods hold at 30%, with some items facing up to 55%. While a few trade deals inch forward, others face July deadlines or threats of higher duties. A court battle over emergency tariff powers adds to the uncertainty.
- Peak Season… Already Peaked?
Retailers rushed shipments through April to beat tariff hikes, making it the likely peak of the season. June sees a rebound, but projections show a softer July peak – below last year’s levels – with volumes expected to taper off from there.
- Air Cargo: Di Minimis Drama & Demand Shifts
The end of U.S. de minimis for Chinese goods cut e-commerce air volumes fast. China–U.S. tonnage dropped 25% in mid-May. General cargo like tech and perishables are filling in, with rates staying high but steady for now.
- Forwarders on the Frontline
Forwarders are stepping up as strategic partners – offering agility, data visibility, and flexible routing. As Timo notes, those investing in tech and collaboration are leading the pack, especially in high-stakes verticals like pharma.
