AI Infrastructure Demand Reshapes Asian Air Cargo Landscape, Replacing E-Commerce Growth
The global air cargo market is undergoing a structural adjustment as the demand for high-value goods driven by AI infrastructure construction has replaced e-commerce parcels as the new growth engine. Meanwhile, tightening regulations in the U.S. and Europe on low-value imports are weakening the logistics advantages of cross-border e-commerce.
What are the key facts?
- 1Demand for AI chips and servers becomes a growth driver for air cargo
- 2Chinese low-value e-commerce exports have declined for six consecutive months
- 3U.S. and Europe tightening regulations on low-value imports
What happened?
Air cargo demand is shifting from e-commerce parcels to AI infrastructure (such as semiconductors and servers). Airlines like Korean Air are seeing a surge in freight revenue, primarily due to increased AI-related orders. At the same time, tightened regulations in the U.S. and Europe regarding low-value imports have seen Chinese e-commerce exports decline for six consecutive months, showing that e-commerce is no longer the main growth pillar for air cargo. This shift is prompting the air cargo industry to reassess its business models and seek new growth points to adapt to significant market changes.
What does this mean for cross-border sellers?
Cross-border sellers need to monitor fluctuations in logistics costs and changes in customs policies, especially regulatory risks regarding low-value parcels, and optimize their supply chain layout accordingly.