If you've been watching air freight rates lately, you've probably felt a bit of whiplash. Global spot rates averaged $3.40 per kilogram in May-that's a 41% jump compared to the same time last year. And in April, we saw prices hit their highest level since October 2022.
So naturally, you'd think shippers would be rushing to lock in long-term contracts, right?
Actually, they're doing the opposite.
According to market analysts at Xeneta, many cargo buyers are deliberately delaying tender decisions and extending existing contracts rather than signing fresh agreements at today's elevated rates. They're betting that the extraordinary pricing surge triggered by the Middle East crisis may finally be easing. As Xeneta's chief airfreight officer Niall van de Wouw put it: "Shippers clearly have a sense of 'here we go again' in terms of rate volatility, but they are adjusting and buying time by temporarily accepting the surcharges that come with extending existing capacity contracts".
And the data backs up that patience. While demand grew 4% year-on-year in May, global air cargo capacity has been recovering and actually ended last month 1% above 2025 levels. Long-term rates have already eased since peaking at the end of April, and the Baltic Air Freight Index slipped 2.1% over the four weeks to June 1-though it's still running 32.7% higher than a year ago.
The message is clear: rates may have peaked.
So where does that leave you as a shipper trying to move goods in this uncertain environment?
When the market is this volatile, expertise matters more than ever
This is exactly the kind of market where having the right logistics partner makes all the difference. Xiamen AE Global (XMAE Logistics) brings something to the table that many shippers desperately need right now: options.
With IATA, FIATA, FMC, and NVOCC approvals, XMAE Logistics is a government-licensed freight forwarder that's been moving all kinds of cargo-by air, sea, and rail-since 2018. But what really sets them apart is their network: over 100 overseas agents spanning the globe.
Why does that matter today?
Because when rates are peaking and capacity is tight on certain lanes, the forwarder with the deepest network can find you alternatives. Maybe it's a different routing. Maybe it's shifting some volume to sea or rail. Maybe it's leveraging relationships to secure space that others can't get.
"Customers are not able to properly forecast their costs because of this," noted one industry executive recently. "It brings a lot of uncertainty".
That's precisely where XMAE Logistics steps in. Their comprehensive service portfolio covers airfreight, ocean freight, customs clearance, warehousing, and project shipments. They don't just move boxes-they solve problems. Whether you need DDU, DDP, or EXW terms, they've got the flexibility to adapt to whatever the market throws at you.
What smart shippers are doing right now
The strategy many cargo buyers are adopting-extending existing contracts rather than signing new long-term deals-makes sense if you believe rates are heading down. But it also means you need a forwarder who can handle the short-term volatility without leaving you stranded.
That's where XMAE Logistics' decade-plus of industry experience comes into play. They've navigated supply chain disruptions before. They understand that today's elevated rates won't last forever-but they also know that waiting too long can cost you dearly if you don't have the right partner to execute when the market shifts.
The company's commitment to "professionalism, honesty, and sincerity" isn't just marketing speak. In a market where some forwarders are piling on opaque surcharges, transparency becomes a competitive advantage. As industry analysts have pointed out, many fuel surcharges are actually negotiable-if you know to ask.
The bottom line
The air freight market is at an inflection point. Rates are still high, but the momentum is shifting. Shippers who play the waiting game could save significantly in the coming months-but only if they have a logistics partner capable of pivoting quickly when the market turns.
XMAE Logistics offers that combination of global reach, regulatory expertise, and service flexibility that makes the difference between merely surviving a volatile market and actually thriving in it. With over 100 overseas agents, multi-modal capabilities, and a track record of handling complex shipments, they're positioned to help you navigate whatever comes next.
Rates may or may not come down as fast as they went up. But one thing is certain: the shippers who come out ahead will be the ones with the right partners in their corner.
Ready to talk about your air freight strategy? XMAE Logistics offers competitive rates and personalized service across all major trade lanes. Visit xmaelogistics.com to get a quote or speak with one of their logistics experts today.
