Global Aperture

E-commerce volumes from China to the U.S. dropped significantly between May and July 2025, accounting for only 15% of Chinese exports to the U.S. during that period after the de minimis exemption was removed in May. Meanwhile, Chinese exports to Europe rose to 27%, with Hungary, Belgium, and the United Kingdom receiving the bulk of this growth, equivalent to six additional widebody freighters per day.

Americas

United States: Fluctuating tariffs between the U.S. and China have disrupted the air cargo industry, driving significant changes in trade lanes, fleet deployment, and inventory strategies. The end of the de minimis exemption and additional tariffs on Chinese goods have led to reduced e-commerce air cargo volumes and prompted a reallocation of freighter capacity away from the Transpacific corridor to other regions. Airlines and freight operators are adapting by shifting routes, consolidating shipments, and exploring alternative markets.

Postal services in Europe, Japan, and Switzerland are suspending most shipments to the United States ahead of the August 29^th expiration of the U.S. “de minimis” exemption, which has allowed duty-free entry into the U.S. for goods under $800. Under new regulations signed into law last month, low-value imports will be subject to country-specific tariffs.

Canada: Water levels at the Port of Montreal continue to decline due to limited rainfall since early July 2025 which could restrict the number of vessels able to transit the waterway. Despite the low water levels, rail and truck operations remain fluid. Current averages include a 3.4-day berth dwell time and truck processing times averaging 45 minutes.

Asia-Pacific

China: Southern China’s Hainan Province issued a red alert as Typhoon Kajiki approached on Sunday, August 24^th, bringing heavy rain and winds exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph). Local authorities suspended numerous services and closed critical infrastructure in anticipation of the storm. Forecasts warned Hainan and surrounding areas could receive severe rainfall through August 25-26^th.

Vietnam: Typhoon Kajiki made landfall in Vietnam on August 25^th as officials evacuated over half a million residents from central provinces in advance of the storm’s impact. Authorities suspended boat operations and cancelled dozens of flights as the storm intensified. According to KWE sources, severe flooding is disrupting local transport, with delays expected at Haiphong Port and Noi Bai International Airport. As it has moved inland, the system has weakened and was downgraded to a tropical storm.

India: The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar due to extreme rainfall from August 19–21^st. The red alert has been downgraded to a yellow alert from August 26-28^th due to heavy rainfall and monsoon currents. Operations at Nhava Sheva Port were temporarily suspended on August 20^th, creating delays for vessel movements, container yards, and transit routes. Rail and road transport have also been severely affected by waterlogging.

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Germany: A warehouse fire at the Port of Hamburg on August 25^th triggered a series of explosions after a vehicle parked inside the facility caught fire. The blaze spread to nearby storage areas, igniting gas canisters and damaging containers, while shrapnel from the blasts forced nearby road closures. Although ocean shipping was unaffected, inland shipping and terminal operations experienced temporary disruptions as emergency crews worked to contain the fire.

Netherlands: Glare from solar panels near Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) forced closures of two major runways during sunny periods on August 21^st, causing flight delays and diversions. The Dutch government has begun removing the panels and applying anti-reflective coating, with operational delays expected to continue through late September.

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