Air cargo traffic from India to the United States has continued to decline in September following the introduction of steep new tariffs, according to the latest data from WorldACD.
Figures show chargeable weight on the India–US lane fell by a further 8% week-on-week in the second full week of September (8–14 September), following consecutive drops of 12% and 11% in the previous two weeks.
The declines come after a one-off 28% spike in late August, as shippers rushed to move goods ahead of Washington’s 50% tariff on Indian imports, which came into effect on 27 August.
The latest drop leaves weekly tonnages 14% below their three-month average. By contrast, exports from India to Europe, which had risen steadily in late August and early September, slipped slightly by 1% in week 37, though volumes remain above last year’s levels.
India–US cargo flows had been stronger for much of 2024 and early 2025, boosted by US importers seeking alternatives to China. But under the new tariff regime, shipments from India to the US were down 13% and 10% year-on-year in the first two weeks of September.
Other regional hubs have also seen weakness. Dubai–US volumes dropped sharply, with week 37 tonnages more than a third lower than the July–August average. The fall may have been influenced by the Mawlid holiday, though Dubai–Europe shipments have held up relatively better.
Globally, air freight markets showed more resilience. Overall tonnages rose 2% week-on-week, helped by an 11% rebound from North America following the US Labor Day holiday, alongside gains from Asia Pacific.
China and Hong Kong–US traffic has stabilised in recent weeks but remains about 8% below last year’s levels, with spot rates at $4.58 per kilo, down 14% year-on-year. Flows from China and Hong Kong to Europe are faring better, with tonnages up around 8% year-on-year and rates of $4.21 per kilo, just 4% below last year.
The figures highlight a growing divergence in global trade lanes, as tariff regimes and shifting demand patterns reshape air cargo flows.
