Seasonal Demand on Asia Airfreight

The current demand for airfreight shipments from a number of key locations across Asia, including Hong Kong and mainland China, has resulted in a shortage of space, and in some cases a sharp increase in freight costs over recent weeks.

An increase in demand leading up to the festive season is not unusual throughout Asia, but managing this year ‘s capacity squeeze is proving more challenging. The industry has not seen a disparity between demand and available space on these levels since the economic downturn of 2008.

A strong US economy drawing capacity; manufacturing delays, difficultly in charter operators gaining flight permits in China; security restrictions;  new electronic product launches and the growth in e-commerce, have all contributed to ongoing high demand for Asia origin airfreight during 2017.

Some reports are suggesting that rates during the past 4 peak season weeks have risen by up to 33% from some origin points, and are up as much as 60% on this time last year.

Leighton Bonnett – Uniserve Group Airfreight Operations Director – commented “We are currently managing the space situation successfully for our customers through our existing contracts and carrier relationships, or where necessary looking at alternative routings”.

“However we do urge customers to advise their local Uniserve representative of any urgent requirements at the earliest possible opportunity considering these difficult market conditions”.

Leighton & Uniserve Group’s airfreight team are the current BIFA airfreight award winners, receiving the accolade for a record breaking fifth time in January this year.

If you would like to find out more about our award winning airfreight services then please call 01708 259400 or email info@ugroup.co.uk.