Global air freight rates edged down slightly in the week to August 10, but pricing remained significantly above last year’s levels as demand and market conditions continued to vary across major trade lanes.
According to the latest data from TAC Index, the global Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) declined 0.2% week-on-week. Despite the small decrease, the index remained 16.9% higher year-on-year.
The weekly movement came as expectations of a more durable agreement between the United States and Iran, together with the possibility of the Strait of Hormuz reopening, eased some pressure on crude oil and jet fuel markets.
Air freight rates from China showed mixed developments. Pricing on the busiest outbound routes to Europe and the United States increased slightly compared with the previous week, although spot rates to Europe continued to weaken while some US-bound routes recorded gains.
Hong Kong outbound rates also declined. The BAI30 index fell 3% week-on-week, although it remained 15.9% above its level a year earlier.
Shanghai moved in the opposite direction, with the BAI80 index rising 1.6% week-on-week and reaching a level 21.4% higher year-on-year.
Southeast Asian markets generally recorded stronger pricing, particularly on routes from Vietnam, Bangkok and Malaysia to the United States. North Asian markets were more uneven, with rates from Taiwan showing mixed movements and those from Seoul declining, while Japan-Europe rates increased.
European outbound markets also saw contrasting trends. Rates on major transatlantic routes to the US increased, alongside gains to the UAE and South Africa. Pricing to China remained broadly stable, while rates to Australia, India, Japan, Brazil and Mexico declined.
The BAI20 index for Frankfurt fell 10.5% week-on-week, although it remained 11% higher year-on-year.
London Heathrow recorded one of the strongest weekly increases. Its BAI40 index jumped 31.6%, supported by higher rates to the Middle East, Southeast Asia and North America. The index consequently stood 7.2% above its year-earlier level.
From the United States, rates declined on several routes to Europe and the UK, as well as on a number of Asian lanes. South American destinations were an exception, recording higher rates.
The BAI50 index for Chicago fell 3.2% week-on-week, but remained 23.2% higher year-on-year, highlighting the continued strength of US outbound air freight pricing compared with 2025.
Mexico-Europe rates also increased during the week and remained substantially above their levels from a year earlier.
Overall, the latest figures point to a global air freight market where short-term pricing is moving in different directions by region, while year-on-year rates remain firmly elevated. Fuel market developments, geopolitical conditions and changing trade flows continue to influence capacity and pricing across the major air cargo corridors.
