News / Sluggish demand ex-locked-down China fails to dent expectant sea-air sector

Forwarders are expecting to see a surge in demand – and rates – out of China once the lockdowns ease.

Airfreight rates have started to climb in the past week on routes to Europe (up 7.7%)  and the US (up 8.4%), according to the TAC Index, but demand remains sluggish.

“Currently, there is not much cargo demand ex-Asia to Europe, in all honesty,” said one European forwarder.

“The lockdown in Shanghai has reduced production and caused delays in the local transport element. I ...