Global air cargo demand surged in June, with DHL indicating a 9% year-on-year increase, the fastest monthly expansion in 2026, driven by increased shipments of semiconductors and AI hardware amid capacity shifts and geopolitical challenges.
Global air cargo demand strengthened in June, with DHL saying volumes rose 9% year on year, the fastest monthly expansion seen so far in 2026. That lifted first-half growth to 5%, as shippers moved more semiconductor, artificial intelligence hardware and industrial technology freight through Asia, where outbound demand climbed 12% from a year earlier.
The latest DHL Air Freight Market Update said worldwide capacity was broadly unchanged, even as flows shifted across key trade lanes. China-Europe freighter capacity fell 12% year on year and capacity across the Middle East and Africa remained 4% below 2025 levels, reflecting regulatory changes, airspace disruption and rerouting pressures that are affecting schedules and costs.
DHL also said weaker China-origin e-commerce volumes, linked to changes in European Union de minimis rules, are starting to release freighter space for higher-yield industrial cargo. The company said freight rates remain supported by healthy demand, limited flexibility in airline capacity and elevated fuel surcharges, even though fuel markets have steadied somewhat.
The broader market picture was consistent with that tone. In late July, the International Air Transport Association reported 8.5% annual growth in global air cargo demand for June, with North America the strongest contributor and capacity up 4.4% from a year earlier. IATA said the industry is benefiting from high-value technology shipments and urgent freight, but warned that conflict in the Middle East and renewed US tariff pressure could unsettle the market further.
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