Airfreight rates on the rise, but lag behind 2014 levels
26 / 10 / 2015
Airfreight rates continued to increase in September and while further increases are expected, prices continue to lag behind last year’s levels.
The latest data from Drewry Sea & Air Shipper Insight shows that the weighted average airfreight rate on 21 key east-west trades increased to $3.22 per kg from $3.06 in August.
September’s average rate is the highest recorded since January and also represents the third monthly increase in a row since figures fell to a low of $2.86 per kg in June.
While there was an improvement in rates, the consultant pointed out that figures still lagged behind the 2014 levels.
“Drewry expects air freight pricing to have strengthened further through October and November as new product launches and an end of year peak season boost short term demand.
“But pricing is not expected to match the dizzy heights of last year as stagnant growth combined with rising bellyhold capacity from a fast expanding passenger aircraft fleet keeps pressure on pricing.”
In September last year, rates stood at $3.76 per kg and reached a high of $3.92 in November.
Source: Drewry Sea & Air Shipper Insight
Notes: This index is a weighted average of all-in air freight "buy rates" paid by forwarders to airlines for standard deferred airport-to-airport air freight services on 21 major East-West routes for cargoes above 1,000 kg.
