Transpacific air cargo jumps 30-36% YoY as tech and e-commerce fill freighters

Summary

TAC Index shows China-US air rates up 30% year-on-year and China-Europe up 12%, while Xeneta puts Northeast Asia-North America spot rates at $5.76/kg in August, 36% above late-February levels. Semiconductor and AI-hardware shipments plus e-commerce keep freighter load factors near 65%, pulling capacity from Europe. Shippers face space premiums into Q4.