Airfreight Forwarding Market - Cumulative Impact of United States Tariffs 2025 - Global Forecast to 2030

The Airfreight Forwarding Market size was estimated at USD 102.50 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 111.52 billion in 2025, at a CAGR 8.47% to reach USD 166.99 billion by 2030.

The airfreight forwarding sector stands at a pivotal juncture, shaped by shifting global trade dynamics, technological breakthroughs, and rising sustainability imperatives. As supply chains grow ever more complex, decision-makers must navigate evolving regulatory frameworks, newfound digital capabilities, and heightened customer expectations for speed and reliability. In this executive summary, we examine the critical forces redefining the industry and offer strategic analysis to guide executives through emerging opportunities and challenges. Our insights span transformative market shifts, the latest tariff developments, in-depth segmentation analysis, and regional and competitive landscapes. By synthesizing these trends and their cumulative impact, this overview equips industry leaders with the context needed to make informed, forward-looking decisions in an environment where resilience and agility have become paramount.

The landscape of airfreight forwarding has been reimagined by several key shifts that are reshaping how goods move across the globe. First, digital transformation is no longer optional: artificial intelligence-powered predictive analytics and automated cargo-tracking systems are enabling carriers to optimize routes, anticipate capacity constraints, and proactively manage disruptions. Simultaneously, sustainability mandates are driving a transition toward carbon-neutral shipping models, forcing stakeholders to evaluate packaging choices, energy sources, and carbon-offset strategies.

Trade patterns themselves have undergone a realignment. Nearshoring efforts in the Americas and production diversification across Southeast Asia continue to recalibrate traditional East-West corridors. This shift in origin-to-destination flows is complemented by the rise of intermodal transport solutions, blending air with rail and sea legs to achieve cost-effective, time-sensitive delivery. Moreover, service offerings are expanding beyond basic door-to-door solutions to include comprehensive end-to-end visibility, customs clearance advisory, and temperature-controlled logistics under full-service contracts.

These transformative trends are converging to create a more resilient, transparent, and customer-centric market. Forwarders that harness digital tools, embrace sustainable practices, and adapt their network architectures will emerge as winners in the next phase of airfreight evolution.

Early 2025 witnessed the implementation of new tariff schedules by the United States, imposing higher duties on select categories of goods transported via airfreight. The resulting cost pressures are twofold: firstly, importers of consumer electronics, automotive components, and certain industrial machinery now face increased landed costs, prompting a re-evaluation of air mode versus alternative ocean-air or intermodal solutions. Secondly, export-oriented manufacturers have found their competitiveness eroded in key overseas markets as tariff adjustments feed through the supply chain.

The tariff revisions also incentivize greater collaboration between shippers and forwarders to explore duty-mitigation strategies, such as tariff classification reviews, bonded warehousing, and strategic use of Free Trade Zones. In parallel, carriers are exploring dynamic pricing models that factor in real-time duty burdens to provide more transparent cost quotations. As a result, stakeholders are under pressure to develop agile procurement and routing strategies that minimize exposure to tariff volatility.

In this context, the ability to integrate customs clearance expertise directly within forwarding operations has become a critical differentiator. Forwarders leveraging real-time data feeds on tariff changes and harmonized system code updates are better positioned to shield their clients from sudden cost escalations. Ultimately, the cumulative impact of the 2025 tariff measures underscores the need for robust risk management and closer alignment between logistics partners and trade compliance teams.

A nuanced understanding of service offerings reveals distinct requirements at every stage of the airfreight lifecycle. Service types range from streamlined customs clearance-covering both export and import clearance-to comprehensive full-service solutions like door-to-door and port-to-port transport, as well as less-than-full-service options specialized in consolidation and express shipments. Meanwhile, diverse end-user industries drive demand patterns, with construction projects relying on raw materials shipments, healthcare entities transporting medical devices and pharmaceuticals under strict temperature controls, manufacturing sectors handling automotive, electronics, and heavy machinery cargoes, and retailers managing a blend of apparel and e-commerce load factors.

Different freight types also introduce unique handling protocols: general cargo, split between consumer and industrial goods, requires standardizing handling and labeling, whereas perishable goods such as food and beverages or fresh produce demand cold-chain integrity and rapid customs processing. Documentation complexity further influences workflow efficiency, with air waybills and ocean bills under a bill of lading framework, customs inspections and health certificates in the inspection certificate category, and commercial and proforma invoices each adding layers of verification.

Modal preferences underscore operational flexibility: dedicated freight planes and passenger-plane cargo each serve distinct market niches, while intermodal combinations-air-rail and sea-air-provide cost-time trade-offs. Packaging innovations, from refrigerated and standard containers to metal and wooden crates and tailored pallet configurations, support a wide range of cargo sensitivities. Route networks balance direct services via hub-feeder and point-to-point links against indirect in-transit transfers and transshipment options, with digitalization and AI capabilities enhancing tracking, chatbots facilitating customer interaction, and electronic document management reducing administrative bottlenecks. Environmental standards, including carbon-neutral shipping, green supply chain practices, and sustainable packaging, shape not only procurement decisions but also brand reputation in a marketplace that values ecological stewardship.

Regional dynamics are markedly different across the world’s major markets. In the Americas, the resurgence of nearshore manufacturing and robust e-commerce growth have accelerated demand for point-to-point services across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, while investment in green logistics corridors and carbon-neutral shipping initiatives is gaining momentum. Europe, the Middle East and Africa face a complex interplay of regulatory harmonization within the EU, expanding cross-border trade in the Gulf states, and infrastructure upgrades in sub-Saharan Africa, driving a mix of hub-feeder networks and indirect transshipment services. In the Asia-Pacific region, manufacturing powerhouses like China and India continue to fuel outbound airfreight volumes, complemented by rising intra-regional trade. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian economies are expanding intermodal corridors that connect major ports and inland hubs, supported by digital customs platforms and sustainability frameworks.

The market is characterized by a diverse ecosystem of global and regional stakeholders. Leading players include Agility Public Warehousing Co K.S.C.P and Al Mas Cargo LLC alongside ALSI For Marine Services LLC, AMK Logistik GmbH, AP Moller Maersk AS and Aramex PJSC. Additional competitors such as BARTH+CO SPEDITION GmbH & Co. KG, Bolloré Logistics USA, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc and CEVA Logistics AG continue to reinforce market dynamics. Furthermore, CJ Logistics Corp, Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Post DHL Group, Dimerco Express Corporation and DSV Panalpina AS vie for market share with Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., FedEx Corporation, Gati Ltd by Allcargo Logistics Limited and GEODIS SA, while Haulystic Limited, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG, Kerry Apex, Kuehne Nagel International AG, M9 Logistics, Nippon Express Holdings Inc., Om Freight Forwarders Pvt. Ltd., Rutherford Global Logistics, SF Express Co., Ltd. and Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd. all play pivotal roles in advancing service innovations and geographical expansion.

To navigate this complex terrain, industry leaders should prioritize a few core actions. First, accelerate investment in digital platforms that integrate AI-driven route optimization, real-time cargo tracking, and automated document management to reduce lead times and mitigate risks. Second, cultivate strategic partnerships with customs brokers, technology providers and sustainability consultants to ensure compliance with evolving tariff regulations and environmental standards. Third, pilot intermodal transport corridors that blend air with rail or sea segments, unlocking cost savings while preserving delivery speed. Fourth, expand specialized service lines-such as cold-chain logistics for healthcare and perishable goods-to capture premium margins and differentiate from competitors. Finally, adopt scenario-planning exercises that stress-test network resilience against tariff fluctuations, geopolitical disruptions, and climate-related events, ensuring rapid, informed decision-making when market conditions shift.

The airfreight forwarding landscape is undergoing rapid transformation driven by regulatory shifts, technological advancements and sustainability imperatives. Executives who proactively embrace digitalization, forge collaborative partnerships and refine their service portfolios will be best positioned to capture growth opportunities. By integrating advanced analytics, optimizing modal combinations and aligning with environmental standards, forwarders can build resilient networks that withstand tariff volatility and evolving trade flows. This strategic agility will not only protect margins but also elevate customer trust, setting the stage for long-term competitiveness in a dynamic global market.

To secure a comprehensive understanding of these insights and gain a competitive edge, contact Ketan Rohom (Associate Director, Sales & Marketing) to purchase the full market research report and access detailed analysis, data tables and customized advisory.