Amidst Fears of Tariff Trade War the air cargo industry is facing a period of uncertainty, with fears of a tariff trade war casting a shadow over the sector. As clearing agents and other freight forwarders in Nigeria navigate the complexities of international trade, they must also contend with the potential impact of tariffs on air cargo demand.
According to recent data, air cargo demand in 2025 is off to a slower start than expected, with January growth at only 2% year-over-year, compared to double-digit increases in 2024. This slowdown is attributed to various factors, including the earlier Lunar New Year, which reduced volumes out of China. However, fears of a tariff trade war are also contributing to the uncertainty.
Niall van de Wouw, Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer, notes that the impact of tariffs on air cargo demand is premature. “The air cargo market is entering a period of uncertainty, making planning extremely challenging,” van de Wouw says. As Nigerian freight forwarders can attest, navigating the complexities of international trade requires careful planning and expertise.
The situation is further complicated by the growth of e-commerce, which has been a key driver of air cargo demand. Cross-border e-commerce demand, particularly from China to the US, has been a significant factor in air cargo growth. However, the suspension of the de minimis exemption could impact air freight capacity between China and the US.
In terms of air cargo rates, January’s global air cargo spot rate remained 17% higher than the same period last year, reaching $2.65 per kg. However, month-on-month, January’s global air cargo spot rate fell 11%. The clearing agents in Apapa Lagos and other Nigerian ports can attest, fluctuations in air cargo rates can have a significant impact on the cost of importing and exporting goods.
Overall, the air cargo industry is facing a waiting game amidst fears of a tariff trade war. As Nigerian imports and exports continue to grow, it is essential for the clearing agents in Nigeria and other freight forwarding agents in Nigeria to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the air cargo industry. By doing so, they can provide their clients with the expertise and guidance needed for clearing their goods, cargo, vehicles ,raw-materials and navigate the complexities of international trade.
In conclusion, the air cargo industry is facing a period of uncertainty, with fears of a tariff trade war casting a shadow over the sector. As the Nigerian licensed customs clearing agents and other freight forwarders navigate the complexities of international trade, they must also contend with the potential impact of tariffs on air cargo demand. By staying informed and up-to-date on the latest developments in the air cargo industry, freight forwarders can provide their clients with the expertise and guidance needed to succeed in the global marketplace.
For more enquiries contact us !
