Global air cargo is shifting. Demand grows but capacity shrinks. Rates stay soft despite tighter supply. Trade patterns move east and south. For freight forwarders, 2026 looks like a low-growth, high-complexity year.

Here’s what the numbers tell us—and what it means for your business.

Growth Slows, Capacity Drops

Worldwide airfreight tonnage rose 4 percent year on year through October 2025. Growth momentum flattened compared with September. DHL forecasts full-year 2025 growth of 3–5 percent.

But supply conditions are tightening fast. Global air cargo capacity declined by around 2 percent year on year in November 2025. Dedicated freighter capacity fell 12 percent year on year, a slide that’s continued since March.


66%Passenger belly-hold now accounts for two-thirds of total capacity
Freighters now represent just 34 percent of total capacity. Passenger networks are filling the gap—but belly-hold space is less predictable and harder to lock in at scale.

Rates Stay Soft Despite Tighter Supply

You’d expect falling capacity to push rates up. It hasn’t happened yet.

Global spot rates fell roughly 3 percent year on year to around US$2.58 per kilo. Contract rates dropped 8 percent year on year to approximately US$2.31 per kilo. Asia-US spot rates remain down 11 percent year on year.

Why? Overcapacity on key lanes earlier in the year built rate pressure that hasn’t fully unwound. Carriers are chasing volume over yield. And demand growth, while steady, isn’t surging.

What This Means for Forwarders

Soft rates are good for your clients. But tight freighter capacity makes booking harder. You need faster access to live rates and multi-carrier options to lock space before it’s gone.

CSN lets you compare rates and book airport-to-airport (A2A) or door-to-door (D2D) options in one screen. No tabs, no spreadsheets, no email chains. Quote in minutes. Ship today.

Asia Pacific Leads, Trade Patterns Shift

Asia Pacific recorded 7 percent year-on-year growth, the strongest of any region. Europe recorded 2 percent growth. Americas recorded 1 percent growth.

But growth within Asia is shifting. China+1 strategies are moving manufacturing to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and India. Cargo flows are diversifying. Traditional tradelanes are fragmenting into new country pairs.

“No branch network? No problem. CSN is the answer. The local hero is now global hero.”

The Middle East is emerging as a critical intermediary hub. Volumes surged during Q4 2025. Airlines are expanding freighter services to connect Asia, Europe and Africa through Gulf hubs.

New Lanes, New Complexity

Shifting trade patterns create opportunity—if you can quote complex routes fast. Multi-leg, mixed-mode shipments are becoming the norm. Your clients expect speed and clarity.

CSN assembles and compares multi-carrier, multi-leg routes in one portal. To and from door coverage across multiple countries. Country coverage tables updated live. Quote the complicated stuff, fast.

Fleet Modernisation: Fuel Efficiency Over Expansion

At the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, Air China Cargo ordered six Airbus A350F freighters. Ethiopian Airlines expanded its A350-900 fleet. Both orders signal a shift toward fuel-efficient aircraft.

But this isn’t expansion-driven growth. It’s replacement-driven. Older, thirstier freighters are being retired. New aircraft burn less fuel per tonne-kilometre—critical as Brent crude oil is forecast to average around US$54–55 per barrel in 2026.

Why Fuel Efficiency Matters to You

Lower fuel costs mean better carrier margins—and potentially more stable contract rates. Airlines flying modern fleets can offer more competitive pricing on long-haul routes.

When you book through CSN, you get access to vetted partners flying efficient equipment. Compare time, cost and reliability. Choose the best option for your client.

Trade Policy and Geopolitics Shape Demand

The World Trade Organization downgraded its 2026 global merchandise trade growth forecast to just 0.5 percent from 1.8 percent. Trade covered by tariffs in G20 economies increased four times faster from mid-October 2024 to mid-October 2025.
[Suggested image: World map showing shifting trade flows and emerging manufacturing hubs]Tariffs and supply chain diversification are reshaping global cargo flows
Rising tariffs encourage supply chain diversification. Shippers are splitting production across multiple countries to reduce risk. That means more complex routing, more SKUs, more urgency.

2026: Low Growth, High Complexity

Capacity is expected to grow modestly at 1–2 percent year on year in 2026. Demand will stay flat or inch up. Margins will stay tight. Competition will stay fierce.

Forwarders who can quote complex routes fast, book direct with zero platform fees, and track shipments in real time will win. Those stuck in spreadsheets and email chains will lose.

How CSN Helps You Win in a Tight Market

CSN is built by freight people, for freight people. We give SMEs big-league tools without big-league costs.

  • Zero subscription fees: No licence fees, no platform tax, no hidden extras. Keep the margin you earn.
  • Multi-leg quotes in one screen: Assemble multi-carrier, mixed-mode routes without tabs or spreadsheets.
  • A2A and D2D options: Compare airport-to-airport and door-to-door pricing side by side.
  • Live rates from vetted partners: Instant access to wholesale capacity on key lanes.
  • Track and trace on your website: Your clients follow milestones online in real time.
  • Quote without login: Visitors request quotes via your website without creating an account.
    Shorten quote-to-book times. Win more cargo from day one. Move from quote to master air waybill (MAWB) faster.

What to Watch in 2026

Keep your eye on these trends:

  • Asia-Pacific diversification: New manufacturing hubs mean new tradelanes. Be ready to quote Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and India.
  • Middle East hub growth: Gulf carriers are expanding. Use them to connect Asia, Europe and Africa.
  • Freighter scarcity: Dedicated freighter capacity is down 12 percent. Book early or lose space.
  • Contract rate stability: Expect modest rate increases as capacity tightens. Lock rates where you can.
  • Trade policy volatility: Tariffs and geopolitics will keep shifting. Stay flexible.

Quote Fast. Book Direct. Ship Today.

The market is tightening. Rates are soft but capacity is shrinking. Complex routes are the new normal. Your clients expect speed, clarity and competitive pricing.

CSN gives you the tools to deliver. One screen to price, book and manage jobs. No subscription fees. No territory limits. Built for SMEs to beat the giants.

Join free. Browse free. Quote free and keep your margin.