{"id":7873,"date":"2026-09-24T15:05:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T08:05:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bestcargo.vn\/en\/?p=7873"},"modified":"2026-09-24T15:05:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T08:05:43","slug":"china-europe-e-commerce-slump-is-reshaping-air-cargo-flows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestcargo.vn\/en\/china-europe-e-commerce-slump-is-reshaping-air-cargo-flows.html","title":{"rendered":"China\u2013Europe E-Commerce Slump Is Reshaping Air Cargo Flows"},"content":{"rendered":"

China\u2013Europe E-Commerce Slump Is Reshaping Air Cargo Flows<\/strong><\/h1>\n

The China\u2013Europe e-commerce slump<\/strong> is creating major changes in international air cargo flows.<\/p>\n

Chinese low-value and e-commerce exports to the European Union fell sharply in August 2026. The decline followed new EU customs measures introduced in July.<\/p>\n

The changes are affecting cargo volumes, freighter capacity, and logistics strategies across the Asia\u2013Europe market.<\/p>\n

\"China\u2013Europe
Why SMEs Are Turning to Air Freight for Cross-Border Trade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chinese E-Commerce Exports to Europe Fall Sharply<\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to data cited by The Loadstar, Chinese low-value and e-commerce exports to the EU fell 65% year on year in August 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The decline followed a 54% drop in July<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Another dataset from Aevean showed a 16% year-on-year decline in Chinese e-commerce exports in August. Exports to Europe fell by around 40% in the same period.<\/p>\n

The trend highlights how quickly regulatory changes can affect international air cargo demand.<\/p>\n

EU Introduces New Customs Duty on Small Parcels<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"EU
EU Introduces New Customs Duty on Small Parcels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One major factor is the EU’s new customs regime for low-value shipments.<\/p>\n

Since 1 July 2026<\/strong>, the EU has applied a temporary \u20ac3 customs duty<\/strong> to items in small consignments valued below \u20ac150. The duty is calculated by product category within a parcel.<\/p>\n

The measure was introduced as part of broader EU customs reform.<\/p>\n

The EU said the reform aims to address the rapid growth of low-value e-commerce imports. In 2025, around 5.9 billion low-value e-commerce items<\/strong> entered the EU.<\/p>\n

The new rules are changing the economics of direct China-to-consumer shipments.<\/p>\n

Air Cargo Flows Are Being Reshaped<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The decline in Chinese e-commerce is already affecting Asia\u2013Europe Air Cargo.<\/p>\n

WorldACD data showed mainland China-to-Europe tonnage was down 8% year on year in late August. Hong Kong-to-Europe volumes fell much more sharply, with a 33% decline reported for the week ending 23 August.<\/p>\n

Another analysis found Asia-Pacific freighter capacity to Europe increased 18% between late June and mid-August.<\/p>\n

This suggests airlines are not simply removing capacity from the market.<\/p>\n

Instead, cargo networks are being reorganized around changing demand.<\/p>\n

European Cargo Gateways Feel the Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"European
European Cargo Gateways Feel the Impact<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The changes are also visible at major European cargo airports.<\/p>\n

Li\u00e8ge, Amsterdam, Budapest, and other e-commerce gateways have experienced significant changes in cargo volumes and capacity.<\/p>\n

Li\u00e8ge Airport reported losing around 27% of its Asian cargo<\/strong> following the introduction of the new EU fee. The decline represented about 10% of its overall cargo volume.<\/p>\n

Budapest also experienced a major reduction in freighter capacity between June and August.<\/p>\n

These developments show that regulatory changes can affect not only airlines but also airports and logistics hubs.<\/p>\n

E-Commerce Is Still Important for Air Cargo<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Despite the slowdown, e-commerce remains an important source of Air Cargo demand.<\/p>\n

Industry data presented at the 2026 EU CBEC Ecommerce Forum showed that global e-commerce air cargo volumes had grown 23% since 2024.<\/p>\n

However, growth had flattened in 2026.<\/p>\n

The industry is therefore entering a different phase. E-commerce remains a major cargo category, but its growth is no longer as strong as before.<\/p>\n

Logistics Companies Are Adapting<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The changing market is encouraging freight forwarders and airlines to rethink their network strategies.<\/p>\n

Companies are paying more attention to:<\/p>\n