After the policy statement issued by the US government, the e - commerce market slowed down significantly after January 20th, especially in the United States and Europe. "This has led e - commerce platforms to cancel charter flights, disrupting the balance between supply and demand," said Kathy Liu, Vice President and Head of Group Sales and Marketing at Dimerco Express Group. "E - commerce has had a significant impact on the air freight market. Right after the Spring Festival in 2024, freight rates started to rise, and there was no obvious off - season. Although e - commerce will not disappear, its model is shifting from B2C to B2B2C. It is expected that this shift will reduce the demand for air freight, and more goods will be transferred to sea freight."

The US government's tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China will reshape the global supply chain, according to the latest update from Dimerco. "The 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, combined with the increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, will disrupt trade flows and prompt enterprises to explore new procurement options. The EU's retaliatory measures due to automobile tariffs further increase the uncertainty. It is expected that geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations will intensify, and enterprises need to adapt to minimize disruptions."

Suggested actions include diversifying suppliers and choosing alternative transportation routes, which can help mitigate the impact of increased tariffs.

The global manufacturing PMI rose slightly from 49.6 in December 2024 to 50.1 in January 2025, indicating a recovery from a brief contraction. "However, this data was collected before the US tariff announcements, and these tariffs may have a significant impact on the global manufacturing landscape in the coming months."

Regional Updates

Taiwan, China: The demand for AI and high - tech products remains stable, but e - commerce and transshipment goods have slowed down as customers are waiting for clarity on US tariff policies and have not finalized their transportation plans. The transportation demand from Taiwan, China to the United States is picking up, although airlines are still open to negotiating freight rates for large - volume cargo.

North China: "The recovery after the Spring Festival has been slow. Factories (including e - commerce factories) are gradually resuming operations. Some airlines have reduced their flights. It is expected that factories and airlines will fully return to normal by March. As market demand recovers, freight rates are expected to rise slightly in March, especially on routes to the United States and Europe."

East China: The report added that the air freight market in Shanghai is expected to fully recover, and demand will rebound significantly.

South China: "The US e - commerce tariff policy has reduced the freight volume, leading some airlines to cancel flights. General freight is expected to recover, and e - commerce freight to the United States will gradually resume, depending on the customs clearance capacity."

South Korea: Due to high demand and limited space, it is recommended to book freight to the United States at least two weeks in advance.

Philippines: Due to the impact of US tariffs, it is expected that goods exported from the Philippines to the United States will shift from air freight to sea freight. There may be temporary rates for large - volume cargo on Asia - Pacific routes, and advance booking can ensure space and preferential prices.

Singapore: Space may be tight at the end of March. Due to the cancellation of cargo flights during the festival, there may be a backlog within the Asia - Pacific region in March.

Vietnam: Due to the tariff announcements, the overall air freight market, especially the air freight market from China to the United States, has slowed down, and air exports have decreased.

Malaysia: Freight rates from Kuala Lumpur to Asia and Europe remain stable, but freight rates to the United States may rise due to tariffs. Several airlines are rearranging export flights from China to Kuala Lumpur for destinations in the United States, which affects the air freight volume and freight rates. Exports from PEN have increased after the Spring Festival.

Thailand: Space and freight rates on Asia - Pacific routes remain stable. The demand on US/Canadian routes exceeds the capacity, and it is recommended to book 3 - 5 days in advance. The demand on EU routes is limited.

Indonesia: Due to shippers arranging shipments in advance, it is expected that space will be tight and freight rates will rise before the long holiday in Indonesia at the end of March. Imported goods should be arranged to arrive around the holiday

Australia: The post - Spring Festival recovery may lead to an increase in freight volume from Asia. Airlines are adjusting their capacity according to demand, and freight rates may stabilize or rise slightly.

India: It is expected that the air freight capacity and freight rates in March will increase due to the end of the Indian fiscal year.

North America/San Francisco: The export of fresh goods from the ports of Tacoma and Seattle will reduce the available space.

North America/Los Angeles: Flight cancellations after the Spring Festival and tariff issues may continue to affect flight schedules and capacity. The suspension of Polar Air in March may lead to an increase in import and export freight rates in Los Angeles.

North America/Toronto: New airlines (China Airlines, Hainan Airlines) have started operating in Toronto, and competition is intensifying.

North America/Vancouver: The weak Canadian dollar may increase export demand and drive up freight rates. In March, there is usually a post - Spring Festival manufacturing recovery and a seasonal export surge (such as fresh products and electronic products), which may drive up air freight demand and tighten capacity. It is recommended to use lightweight packaging and consolidate freight to maximize space.

North America/Chicago: Due to pending tariffs, shipping activities have increased, and a longer booking turnaround time will be required.

Europe: The European Commission is promoting the cancellation of the minimum duty - free exemption for low - value parcels, which is in line with US policies and aims to curb unsafe, counterfeit, and non - compliant goods. The consumer protection agency of the commission has launched a coordinated action against some cross - border e - commerce platforms. The European Commission has called on member states to take joint actions to curb unsafe, counterfeit, and non - compliant goods. The consumer protection agency of the commission has launched a joint action against some cross - border e - commerce platforms.

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Official Account: Cross-border E-commerce Logistics Baixiaosheng