Freightos Weekly Update: Attacks on Saudi Airports Disrupt Air Freight; China-to-Europe Air Freight Rates Fall

The Freightos weekly update says Houthi attacks disrupted air freight operations at some Saudi airports, while rates from China to Northern Europe fell 7% last week to $3.58/kg. Rates on the lane were down 9% year over year, in contrast with a 33% year-over-year rise in the global air freight benchmark. The report says declining e-commerce volumes may be weighing on rates. Asia-to-Mediterranean ocean freight rates rose 7% last week to $3,804/FEU, possibly reflecting carriers’ efforts to raise rates as annual contract negotiations for 2027 begin.