The Loadstar is launching a series of reports on the ecommerce sector, which has been a key driver of growth in the air cargo industry. However, there are concerns on the horizon that should be of interest to air cargo stakeholders.
Currently, ecommerce accounts for a significant portion of air cargo volumes, with names like Temu emerging as major buyers of airfreight. Some forwarders have reported that Chinese ecommerce sellers are purchasing entire airfreight capacities, chartering whole aircraft for cheap clothing, and investing heavily in the sector for long-term gains.
Despite the market growth, there are concerns about the environmental sustainability of this trend. While airfreight’s speed to market is its primary advantage, the rise of ecommerce and fast fashion have led to an increase in low-value goods being transported by air, raising questions about economic viability.
The industry has seen trends come and go, with companies ultimately seeking consistent and cost-effective supply chains. As AI improves forecasting accuracy and environmental concerns loom large, the future of low-value airfreight remains uncertain.
Amazon has already shifted focus to sea freight, moving a significant amount of containers monthly, while Chinese ecommerce platforms continue to rely on airfreight. As the industry navigates these challenges, air freight executives must consider the longevity of the current ecommerce trend.
In a series of forthcoming articles, The Loadstar will delve into the various issues surrounding ecommerce, from duties to emissions, prompting air freight executives to assess the sustainability of the current airfreight landscape.
