December airfreight prices remain ahead of 2015 levels

Airfreight prices continued to track ahead of the year-ago level in December, despite a seasonal drop-off in prices.
The latest figures from consultant Drewry’s Sea & Air Shipper Insight report shows that the average buy rate across 21 major east-west routes reached $3.14 per kg in December.
December was only the second month in 2016 that was ahead of 2015 year-ago level, when the average rate stood at $2.93 per kg, but represents a decline on the November level of $3.35 per kg – the first month-on-month decline since May.
However, the drop off in prices compared with November shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as the market does tend to slow in December following the Christmas rush.
Drewry said it expected to see further seasonal declines in January.
“[December] was the first rate fall since May, but as December traditionally sees a drop off in rates the latest slide was not unexpected,” the consultant said.
“Testament to the growing strength of the market, the rate decrease from November to December was smallest of its kind since 2012.
“We expect to see a further seasonal decrease to the index in January, once again smaller than usual.”