As 2025 draws to a close, global air cargo rates are still climbing, but no longer at last year’s clips. In the week to 7 December, global spot rates (valid for up to one month) reached USD 2.85 per kg, 6% below their level a year earlier. Longer-term “seasonal” rates, at USD 2.46 per kg, also lagged last year by 5% and remained below spot rate. That pattern is likely to set the tone for 2026 contract negotiations.
